Rains lash J&K; Srinagar administration issues advisory

Srinagar district magistrate advised the general public to avoid unnecessary travel on roads unless absolutely essential

Rains lashed Jammu and Kashmir on Friday as a strong Western Disturbance (WD) hit the region expecting to bring further widespread moderate to heavy rain showers across the Union territory on Saturday as well.

Boat on the waters of Dal Lake during rain in Srinagar on Friday. (Waseem Andrabi/HT)

Meanwhile, the office of the district magistrate, Srinagar, advised the general public to avoid unnecessary travel on roads unless absolutely essential.

The weather was cloudy in Kashmir from the morning, including in capital Srinagar. As the day progressed widespread rains were experienced across the Himalayan region.

The J&K meteorological centre in Srinagar said that rains were witnessed across Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar and Jammu cities.

“Highest rainfall was recorded in Batote in Jammu and Gulmarg in Kashmir,” said an official of MeT in the evening.

The MeT said that erratic weather will continue in J&K till April 10. J&K MeT Director, Mukhtar Ahmad said that intermittent light to moderate rain and snow was expected at many places with thunder, hailstorms and gusty winds till April 4 (evening).

“Moderate to heavy rain and snow (higher reaches) with brief intense heavy showers expected at few places of Kashmir & Jammu Divisions,” he said.

He said that intense heavy showers for a brief period may lead to flash floods and landslides at few vulnerable places & water logging in few low lying areas. “Farmers are advised to suspend all farm operations,” the MeT director said.

Independent weather spotter, Faizan Arif said that a strong WD will bring widespread moderate to heavy rain showers across the UT. “Higher reaches and mountain passes, including Zoji La, Sinthan Top, Mughal Road, Sadhna Top, and Razdan Top, are likely to witness fresh snowfall,” Arif said on his X handle Kashmir_weather.

Owing to the weather forecast, the administration in Srinagar, which is dotted with a number of water bodies including river Jhelum, Dal and Nigeen Lakes, issued a public advisory cautioning residents against non-essential movement and urging strict adherence to safety measures.

“Further tourists, local shikara operators, sand miners, and others operating in and around water bodies, including Dal Lake and Jhelum river, and other water bodies are strictly advised not to attempt crossing or operating without first verifying the prevailing conditions and safety status of these bodies,” the advisory said.

Meanwhile, the MeT update has predicted that April 7-9 will also be rainy. “During the period, fresh spells of light to moderate rain/snow (higher reaches)/thunder/gusty winds at many places are expected,” a MeT update said.