Play safe during Monsoon

As the arrival of the monsoon is still weeks away, unprecedented weather activity has already started troubling people across J&K. After the dangerous incidents of cloudbursts in the Jammu region a few days ago, the situation has now started deteriorating in the Valley as it too has begun witnessing similar adverse weather conditions. A number of cloudburst incidents reported in Kashmir last week are a matter of great concern, and therefore people should take these events very seriously and avoid visiting places vulnerable to such climatic occurrences.

The aforesaid cloudbursts in the Valley have reportedly triggered flash floods and caused damage to homes, crops, and other infrastructure. The places affected by this natural calamity include Sirhama village in the Bijbehara area of Anantnag district, Darpora village in Kupwara district’s Lolab area, and Tartei Kilo village in Gurez’s Tulail Valley. Earlier, cloudbursts were also reported from Ranipora, Rakhi-Brah, and Nag Naran villages of Shangus in Anantnag district. In the Jammu region, five cloudbursts were reported earlier this month in Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, and Poonch districts, where flash floods, mudslides, and landslides damaged property, infrastructure, and agricultural land.

Taking these climatic events into account, it has become necessary for people not to venture into vulnerable hamlets, especially those located in hilly terrain. The best way to remain safe is to rely on the information shared by the MeT Department because, with advancements in technology, significant progress has been made in weather forecasting and in predicting such incidents well in advance.

It is pertinent to mention that last year as well, many districts in the Jammu Division witnessed similar cloudburst incidents and flash floods between April and September, causing damage to houses, roads, and farmlands and resulting in the loss of several lives. It is a bitter reality that human interference and excessive deforestation have led to rising temperatures, which is one of the main reasons behind the increasing occurrence of cloudbursts.

One can gauge the changing climate by simply considering the fact that a few decades ago, people did not even have ceiling fans in their houses. However, with the unprecedented rise in temperatures, the demand for air conditioners is surging these days, highlighting the adverse effects of human interference on nature and its bounties.

Although people are not in a position to stop such calamities altogether, it is advisable that they remain cautious during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons and follow weather advisories without any complacency, as this is vital for safeguarding lives and property.