Owais Gul
Srinagar, Jul 28: As rains lashed J&K on Wednesday, the Meterological department stated that the rainfall will continue till Thursday while as overall weather will improve from July 31.
The Irrigation and Food Control department, however, said that situation was under control and there was no flood threat as such. The MeT department, however, asserted that the rainfall will lead to melting of glaciers and subsequent rise in water levels of all local streams across the J&K, which may lead to Flash Flood/Mudslides especially in sloppy areas.
A fresh communique issued by the MeT on Wednesday evening said that, light to moderate rain occurred across J&K with most rainfall recorded at Udhampur-Banihal- Katra axis, with (Katra receiving 37.8mm rainfall from Wednesday morning till evening). The MeT, however, forecasted intermittent light to moderate rain, heavy at times till Thursday and decrease thereafter gradually with overall improvement from July 31.
The MeT in its weather warning further said, “Melting of glaciers and Rainfall will lead to Rise in water Levels of all local streams. This may lead to Flash Flood/Mudslide especially in sloppy areas. Therefore people, Tourists/Trekkers are advised to Remain Cautious and Alert and avoid venturing into such vulnerable Places. Undertake Long journey Travel only after confirming the Status of the Road from concerned Traffic Police.
“This is a Weather warning as July-August rain has a history turning severe sometimes”, reads the warning.
Issuing the severe weather warning for Ladakh, MeT said: “On Wednesday, weather remained cloudy to overcast throughout Ladakh with reports of moderate to Heavy Rain in Zanskar region, light Rain at most places of Ladakh. Light to Moderate Rain will occur at most places of Ladakh from now till July 30. Some places may receive heavy shower as well. Overall, improvement is most likely from July 31 onwards.”
Director MeT, Sonum Lotus said that till the end of this month, the weather will remain cloudy and there is possibility of intermittent rainfall in the plains of the valley while the hilly areas of North and South Kashmir including the Pir Panjal Range may witness rainfall and orange alert has been already issued.
He further said, in case if it rains more in plains, there can be water logging, and people have to be cautious and avoid venturing near landslide and flash flood areas.
“Currently it is raining at some places and widespread intermittent rain is most likely to continue till July end, heavy rain is also possible at some places which may lead to flash flood, mudslide, landslide and water logging (low lying areas),” he said. Meanwhile a top official from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC), said that the water level is below the alert mark at all gauges of the valley.
“The water level is below the alert marks, at all the gauges of the valley,” he said, adding that the current water level at Sangam gauge is 5.9 Ft, while at Ram Munshi Bagh, the water level is at 7.34 Ft.
