Heavy Rainfall Lashes Kashmir; MeT Predicts More Rain, Flash Flood Hits Kangan Area
Srinagar, August 17: Heavy rainfall in the early hours of Saturday brought an end to a prolonged dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir, but also raised alarms across the region as flash floods were reported in various areas, particularly in Kangan, Central Kashmir.
The Srinagar Meteorological Centre has forecasted more intense rain over the next few days, warning of possible flash floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and other related hazards on August 19 and 20. “Possibility of flash floods, cloud bursts, landslides, shooting stones, and mudslides at vulnerable places on 19-08-2024 and 20-08-2024,” the Met Centre cautioned on August 16.
In Kangan, the heavy downpour resulted in flash floods, with water entering a government school. Several roads in the Kangan area of Ganderbal district were also reported damaged due to the torrential rain.
“It rained cats and dogs here starting from 5 a.m. on Saturday. The garden outside our home became filled with water in a flash. The skies were clear on Friday evening. It is still raining, although with less intensity,” said Shahida, a resident of Budgam, reflecting on the sudden shift in weather.
The rainfall also led to a significant drop in temperatures across the region. On Saturday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, while other areas such as Gulmarg, Jammu, Pahalgam, Banihal, Katra, and Kupwara saw temperatures ranging from 15.4 to 28 degrees Celsius.
Residents of Kangan expressed concern over the lack of immediate action by the authorities. “Many areas have been affected due to floods following heavy rainfall. Naib Tehsildar inspected the spot, but no senior official has arrived yet. We request the administration to build check dams, and the drains that have been encroached upon should be opened to allow water to flow,” a local resident urged.
This comes just days after a cloudburst in the Arin area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district on August 15, which triggered flash floods. The heavy rains caused widespread flooding in the area, submerging many localities, although no casualties were reported.
With more rain predicted, the situation in Kashmir remains tense as authorities and residents brace for potential challenges in the days ahead.
