In 20 days, J&K records over 20 cloudbursts

Srinagar, Jul 20: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an unprecedented spell of extreme weather this month so far, with more than 20 cloudbursts reported across the Union Territory, triggering flash floods, landslides and widespread destruction that have claimed several lives and damaged public infrastructure.
Officials said that at least 15 cloudbursts were reported during the first 14 days of July, affecting several parts of Kashmir and the Jammu region. The worst-hit areas included the Tulail Valley and Gurez in North Kashmir, besides the upper reaches of Thathri and the Bhalesa in Doda district.
“The weather activity intensified further over the weekend, with at least two major cloudbursts striking Chasoti in Kishtwar and Kathua districts, while multiple cloudbursts were also reported from the Pir Panjal districts of Poonch and Rajouri,” they said, adding, “The cloudbursts triggered flash floods and mudslides, resulting in multiple fatalities in Kathua, Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri, besides leaving several people missing, officials said.
The disasters also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with more than 100 houses damaged, bridges washed away and several roads, including stretches of the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway, affected by floods and landslides.”
Pertinently, continuous spell of inclement weather has also forced authorities to temporarily suspend the Amarnath Yatra and pilgrimages to the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines as a precautionary measure.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rainfall over the next two days, prompting authorities to maintain a high alert across vulnerable districts and advise people to avoid travel through landslide-prone areas. (KNO)