Rains, hailstorm lash J&K parts

Srinagar, Jun 18: Amid a Meteorological Department warning of flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable areas, rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and hailstorms lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening.
An official of the MeT Centre Srinagar said that many places across Kashmir and parts of Jammu division, including Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Rajouri and Poonch districts witnessed a spell of rain and thundershowers. “Weather activity was also reported along the Sonamarg-Baltal-Holy Cave axis ahead of the annual Amarnath Yatra,” he added.
The weather office said hailstorms were reported in some areas and warned that similar conditions could occur in parts of North and Central Kashmir, including Tangdhar, Kupwara, Handwara, Budgam, Uri, Ganderbal, Shopian and Kokernag.
It also cautioned that intense rainfall at isolated places could trigger flash floods, waterlogging and mudslides, particularly in hilly and vulnerable areas of Tangdhar, Kupwara, Kukernag, Banihal and Kishtwar.
The fresh spell of rain brought a temporary relief from warm conditions in several areas, although authorities advised residents and travellers to remain cautious due to the possibility of sudden changes in weather.
The MeT Department has forecast generally cloudy weather across Jammu and Kashmir from June 19 to June 22, with one or two spells of light rain, brief intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning, hailstorms and gusty winds likely at many places.
Weather activity is expected to continue between June 23 and June 25, with partly to generally cloudy skies and light rain or brief showers at scattered locations across the Union Territory, the department said, adding that there is possibility of isolated hailstorms and intense showers during the next five days and urged people living in landslide-prone and flood-prone areas to remain alert.
As a precautionary measure, the MeT Centre advised people to stay away from loose structures, electric poles, wires and old trees during thunderstorms. It also recommended suspension of boating and shikara operations on water bodies whenever strong winds, lightning or thunderstorms occur.
Farmers and orchard owners have been advised to undertake spraying operations during early morning hours when weather conditions are comparatively stable.
Officials said district administrations and disaster management agencies were monitoring the situation and would remain prepared to respond to any weather-related emergency in vulnerable areas. (KNO)