Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
The Jammu division is likely to witness another spell of intense rainfall on Wednesday, with a fresh round of heavy showers expected around August 10, increasing the risk of cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable mountainous areas, weather experts have warned.
The Meteorological Department has forecast intense localised downpours and isolated cloudburst events across parts of the Chenab Valley, Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch districts. Authorities have also cautioned about a heightened risk of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones along vulnerable stretches of hilly roads due to heavy rainfall.
According to the forecast, light to moderate rainfall is expected to remain fairly widespread across the Jammu region until August 10, although the overall intensity is likely to reduce after August 6.
“From August 6, the rainfall intensity will reduce. After August 7, rainfall activity across most parts of the Jammu division is likely to decline. However, around August 10, rainfall activity is expected to pick up again, with the possibility of intense spells at isolated locations,” said Dr. Mahender Singh, Chief Scientist and In-charge, Agrometeorology, SKUAST-Jammu.
Dr. Singh said rainfall recorded up to August 3 stood at 59.4 mm in Udhampur (IAF), 53.4 mm in Kathua, 41.6 mm in Reasi and 18 mm in Jammu.
He noted that widespread normal to heavy rainfall during July has eliminated the seasonal rainfall deficit across the Jammu division, with several districts now recording surplus precipitation.
In view of the forecast, weather advisories issued by the divisional and district administrations, along with the police, remain in force, urging residents and travellers to exercise caution, particularly in landslide-prone areas, near rivers, streams and seasonal nallahs.
Official data indicate that more than 25 cloudburst incidents were reported across Jammu and Kashmir between June and the end of July, triggering flash floods and extensive damage to infrastructure.
The Jammu region has been the worst affected, accounting for the highest number of fatalities and widespread destruction of roads, bridges, houses, agricultural land and public infrastructure. Districts including Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda and Kishtwar have witnessed some of the most severe weather-related incidents this monsoon season.
Authorities have advised the public to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall, and strictly follow advisories issued by local administrations and disaster management agencies.
