Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The Meteorological Department (MeT) on Tuesday issued an Orange Alert for South Kashmir and adjoining areas, warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods, rain-induced flooding and landslides over the next three days. Authorities have urged residents, tourists and transporters to remain vigilant and strictly follow official weather advisories.
MeT Director Mukhtar Ahmad said the department had already issued a weather advisory after several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly along the Pir Panjal range in the Jammu division, received heavy rainfall. Parts of Kashmir also witnessed intense showers on Monday morning.
He said generally cloudy weather with intermittent light rain is expected over the coming days. On Tuesday, most areas are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall during the morning and around noon, while some places in the Jammu division may receive heavy showers.
According to Ahmad, moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast across Kashmir on Tuesday and Wednesday, with South Kashmir and adjoining areas expected to receive the heaviest precipitation.
He cautioned that the anticipated rainfall could trigger waterlogging in low-lying areas, flash floods and rain-induced flooding. Hilly regions also face a high risk of landslides and mudslides due to the prevailing weather conditions.
The MeT Director advised tourists and transporters to exercise caution while travelling and stay updated with the latest weather advisories. He also urged the public to strictly adhere to official instructions to minimise the risk of weather-related incidents.
In view of the forecast, Ahmad advised farmers to suspend irrigation activities over the next few days.
He said South Kashmir and adjoining areas have been placed under an Orange Alert for flood risk, while parts of North Kashmir are also under an Orange Alert. The current wet spell is expected to continue until July 23.
