Widespread rains, thundershowers lash J&K parts

Srinagar, Jul 11: Widespread rain and thundershowers hit several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday evening, while the Meteorological Centre Srinagar warned of the possibility of flash floods, mudslides and landslides in vulnerable areas.
According to the reports, rains and thundershowers affected many places across the Kashmir and parts of Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Doda, Reasi and Udhampur districts.
An official of the MeT Centre said that brief but intense showers accompanied by thunderstorms were reported from isolated locations, particularly in parts of North, Central and South Kashmir.
The weather office said intense showers over parts of Kupwara, Baramulla and Budgam districts, as well as Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Batote and Udhampur, could trigger localized flash floods, mudslides and landslides in vulnerable areas.
It advised people to stay away from nallahs, streams and landslide-prone areas as a precaution.
Meanwhile, the MeT Centre said intermittent spells of rain and thundershowers are expected to continue on Sunday at many places across Jammu and Kashmir, with isolated heavy rain and brief intense showers likely over parts of the Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal range of Jammu division.
From July 13 to 17, the weather is expected to remain generally hot and humid, although scattered places may witness brief spells of rain and thundershowers, with isolated intense showers mainly over Jammu division.
Fresh spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely at many places across the Union Territory between July 18 and 20, the weather office said.
The MeT Centre has also cautioned that heavy rainfall and brief intense showers during July 11 and 12, particularly during afternoon, evening and early morning hours, may lead to flash floods, mudslides and landslides at vulnerable locations in the Chenab Valley and the Pir Panjal range.
It reiterated its advisory asking people to avoid venturing near streams, nallahs and landslide-prone areas. (KNO)