Widespread rain continues for 2nd day in J-K

Srinagar, Apr 4: Widespread rainfall continued across Jammu and Kashmir for the second straight day Saturday as a fresh Western Disturbance affected the region, bringing down temperatures.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) said weather conditions are expected to improve gradually from Sunday, with a decrease in rainfall activity, though isolated showers may persist.

Rain that began Friday afternoon in Srinagar and other parts of the Kashmir continued intermittently through the night and into Saturday.

According to MeT data, Srinagar recorded 25.1 mm of rainfall, Qazigund 18.8 mm, Pahalgam 12 mm, Kupwara 14.1 mm, Kokernag 12.8 mm, and Gulmarg 32.2 mm by evening.

Officials reported that in the Jammu region, Ramban recorded 24 mm of rainfall, Batote 53.8 mm, Poonch 45.5 mm, Rajouri 61 mm, Jammu 14.4 mm, Reasi 34.5 mm, Katra 32.2 mm, Bhaderwah 26.8 mm and Banihal 19.7 mm.

Day temperatures dropped across Kashmir. Srinagar recorded a high of 16.3 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam 10.2 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg 5.3 degrees Celsius, all below normal for this time of year.

Temperatures also plummeted below normal in Jammu region.

“The rains will continue until Saturday evening in the plains of Kashmir, while light snowfall is expected in higher reaches,” a MeT official said.

He said that higher-altitude areas and key passes including Zojila, Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Mughal Road, Sadhna Top, and Razdan Top received fresh light snowfall, which hampered traffic movement.

Several roads, including the Mughal Road, Kokernag-Sinthan Top road, Gawran-Margan Top road, and the Bandipora-Gurez road remained closed due to snow accumulation.

Fresh snowfall was also reported from the tourist resort Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and the twin Chenab valleys of Marwa and Warwan in Kishtwar district.

Snowfall was also reported from higher reaches of Ladakh – Leh, Kargil, and Nubra Valley.

Shooting stones and landslides were reported at several locations in Ramban along the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, disrupting traffic for several hours.

Weather conditions are expected to improve gradually from Sunday, though brief showers may occur at isolated places, officials said.

However, another Western Disturbance is likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir from April 7 to 9, bringing a fresh spell of widespread rain and snowfall in higher reaches.

Director MeT Centre Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad said the region would continue to witness unstable weather due to successive Western Disturbances till April 10.

“April 5-6 is expected to remain partly cloudy with light rain at isolated places,” Ahmad said. “Another major Western Disturbance from April 7-9 will bring fresh spells of light to moderate rain and snowfall in higher reaches, along with thunder and gusty winds at many places.”

He said that a brief spell of light rain or snow is likely at isolated places on April 10-11, followed by generally dry and cloudy weather from April 12 to 15.

The MeT has warned of thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gusty winds reaching speeds of 40-50 kph between April 7 and 8.

“Intense heavy showers for brief periods may lead to flash floods, landslides at vulnerable places and waterlogging in low-lying areas,” the department said in an advisory.

It advised the farmers to suspend agricultural operations and urged travellers to plan accordingly.

M M Parvaiz reports from Ramban

Despite inclement weather conditions incidents of shooting stones and landslides, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open for traffic on Saturday, providing much-needed relief to commuters and transporters.

Officials said intermittent rainfall across the region triggered incidents of shooting stones and minor landslides at Hingni, Digdool, and several vulnerable locations along the Nashri – Ramban-Banihal stretch.

However, swift response and clearance operations by road maintenance agencies ensured that traffic movement was not significantly disrupted.

Authorities said that the situation is under constant monitoring, with men and machinery deployed at critical points to address any emergency.

“We are keeping a close watch on vulnerable areas to ensure smooth movement of traffic,” an official said.

Commuters have been advised to exercise caution while travelling, as the risk of sudden landslides and falling debris persists due to unstable weather conditions.

The highway frequently faces disruptions during adverse weather.

Although traffic continued to ply in both directions for most of the day, officials warned that the situation may change depending on further weather developments.

Meanwhile, traffic authorities advised commuters and Light Motor Vehicle operators to avoid travelling during night hours along the Ramban-Banihal sector due to the heightened risk of shooting stones and landslides.

The Meteorological Department has forecast continued inclement weather over the next few days.

Authorities also urged travellers to confirm the latest road status with Traffic Control Units in Jammu, Srinagar, and Ramban before undertaking journeys.

Traffic authorities issued a fresh advisory for Sunday stating that subject to fair weather and good road conditions, LMVs and heavy vehicles would be allowed to ply on either side of the highway.

Sumit Bhargav reports from Rajouri

The Mughal Road was restored on Saturday after it remained closed for vehicular movement on Friday following snowfall and adverse weather conditions.

Officials said that on Saturday morning, authorities temporarily restored the road for traffic after undertaking snow clearance operations.

Vehicular movement was allowed during the notified timing window from 11 am to 3 pm, DTI Poonch Manzoor Kohli said.

Despite the brief restoration, fresh light snowfall was reported in the upper reaches on Saturday evening, raising concerns about continued disruptions and potential closure of the road again, he said.

Authorities advised commuters to adhere strictly to the regulated timings and exercise caution while traveling, as weather conditions remain unpredictable.

Tarique Raheem reports from Kupwara

The main road leading to Keran sector in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district was blocked near Thandapani on Saturday following a landslide triggered by recent rainfall, disrupting normal life in the area.

According to locals, a landslide with an uprooted huge tree struck the road, forcing suspension of vehicular movement and leaving commuters stranded.

Residents of the area faced considerable inconvenience as traffic came to a complete halt for several hours.

The landslide also damaged electric lines, resulting in power outages in Keran sector, adding to the difficulties faced by the people of over three dozen villages.

Following closure of road, authorities were informed to clear the debris and restore vehicular movement on the road.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Shrikant Suse, told Greater Kashmir that efforts were underway to reopen the road at the earliest.

“The road has been restored for traffic movement in the late evening, while efforts were continuing to restore electricity,” he said.

Owais Farooqi reports from Bandipora

Inclement weather, coupled with snow and high winds, is posing a risk to commuters on the 85-km Bandipora-Gurez road, especially at Razdan Top, officials told Greater Kashmir.

The road was closed on Friday evening, after opening for commuters a few days ago, with snow and high winds making vehicular movement dangerous.

The administration had allowed traffic from both ways; however, with the weather taking an unexpected turn, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and police had to launch an late night operation to rescue 38 vehicles stranded at Razdan Top due to snow.

OC BRO Aman Trivedi said that all the stranded vehicles belonged to locals travelling from Gurez towards Bandipora.

“The snowfall suddenly got very heavy, which caused the vehicles to get stuck,” the BRO officer said.

Following the overnight rescue, BRO and Police personnel safely escorted the commuters across the pass towards the Bandipora side.

However, the route remained entirely off-limits to traffic on Saturday.

“The road is currently closed. It has been snowing since last night, and it is still snowing at Razdan Pass,” the officer said, noting that the closure is in strict accordance with the DC’s orders.

While the actual fresh snowfall was relatively light, severe weather at higher elevations has created perilous driving conditions.

“Actually, the snow depth isn’t that much. The snowfall was only about 15 to 20 centimetres but because of high winds at Razdan, the snow accumulates,” the officer said. “The depth is around 45 to 50 cm. The conditions are risky. The wind is very strong at Razdan.”

Despite the ongoing weather challenges, snow clearance operations were being prioritised on Saturday.

“We are trying our best to have it open by 11 am on Sunday,” the officer said.

Meanwhile, DC Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib said, “SOPs for travelling on the road will be issued with strict orders for adherence to cutoff timings at traffic control points amid inclement weather.”