Heavy rain triggers flash floods in Kashmir

MeT forecasts wet spell across J&K till Aug 7

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 (MeT) forecast intermittent rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir over the next week.

Officials said flash floods struck 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. However, no loss of life or damage to property was reported. Authorities said the situation was under close watch.

Most parts of the Kashmir Valley received overnight rainfall, with significant precipitation recorded in Budgam, Baramulla and Bandipora districts.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar recorded 24.6 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours, while Jammu received 27.1 mm. Other stations recorded: Gulmarg 9.6 mm, Pahalgam 6.4 mm, Kathua 6.8 mm, Katra 7.8 mm, Kupwara 2.2 mm, while Qazigund recorded no rainfall.

The weather office said Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 31.4°C, 1.3 degrees above normal, while the minimum settled at 19.4°C, 0.5 degree above normal. Jammu recorded a maximum of 33.9°C, 0.8 degree above normal, and a minimum of 24.8°C.

The MeT office has forecast scattered light rain or brief thundershowers at isolated places across the Union Territory on August 1, with the 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. A few districts of the Jammu division may experience heavy rainfall accompanied by brief intense showers or torrential downpours.

Similar weather conditions are expected from August 5 to 7, with scattered light to moderate rain and brief intense showers at several places.

The MeT Department has warned that heavy rainfall 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 people to remain vigilant.