Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Kashmir parts

Srinagar, Jul 31: Heavy overnight rainfall triggered flash floods in parts of north Kashmir on Friday, inundating roads and a government school in Bandipora district, while the Meteorological Department forecast intermittent rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir over the next week.
Officials said that flash floods hit Saderkoot Bala in Bandipora, where muddy water entered the Government Primary School at Ganie Mohalla, Malpora, damaging classroom mats and forcing suspension of classes for the day.
In Baramulla district, flash floods affected the Brennar area of Sopore town, though no loss of life or damage to property was reported. Authorities said the situation was being closely monitored.
Most parts of the Valley witnessed overnight rainfall, with significant precipitation recorded in Budgam, Baramulla and Bandipora districts.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Srinagar received 24.6 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours, while Jammu recorded 27.1 mm. Among other stations, Gulmarg received 9.6 mm, Pahalgam 6.4 mm, Kathua 6.8 mm, Katra 7.8 mm, Kupwara 2.2 mm and Qazigund recorded no rainfall.
The weather office said Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.4 degrees Celsius, which was 1.3 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at 19.4 degrees Celsius, 0.5 degree above normal. Jammu recorded a maximum of 33.9 degrees Celsius, 0.8 degree above normal, and a minimum of 24.8 degrees Celsius.
The MeT office has forecast scattered light rain or brief thundershowers at isolated places across the Union Territory on August 1, with a possibility of isolated intense showers.
From August 2 to 4, many places are likely to witness light to moderate rain and thundershowers, particularly during the afternoon, evening and early morning hours. The department said a few districts of the Jammu division could experience heavy rain, including brief intense showers or torrential downpours.
Scattered light to moderate rain or thundershowers are also expected at several places from August 5 to August 7, accompanied by brief intense showers.
The weather department has warned that heavy rain or intense showers over parts of the Jammu division on July 31, August 2 and August 3 could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at vulnerable locations, advising the public and authorities to remain vigilant. (KNO)