Heavy Rain Hits Jammu and Kashmir: Flash Floods and Landslides Expected
Heavy rainfall lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir early Saturday morning, ending a prolonged dry spell in the Union Territory. The Srinagar Meteorological Centre has predicted intense rain spells at a few places in Jammu and Kashmir, with the possibility of heavy rain over a few places in the Jammu division on August 19 and 20.
Weather Predictions
The Meteorological Centre warned of potential flash floods, cloud bursts, landslides, shooting stones, and mudslides at vulnerable places on August 19 and 20. After the rainfall, the maximum temperature in Srinagar was recorded at 21 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg at 15.4 degrees Celsius, Jammu at 28 degrees Celsius, Pahalgam at 17.9 degrees Celsius, Banihal at 20.6 degrees Celsius, Katra at 25 degrees Celsius, and Kupwara at 21 degrees Celsius.
Local Impact
Shahida from Budgam reported, “It rained cats and dogs here starting from 5 am 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.” Roads were damaged in the Kangan area of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal following heavy rainfall in the town.
Community Response
A local stated, “Many areas have been affected due to floods following heavy rainfall. Naib tehsildar inspected the spot but no senior official has arrived at the spot. We request the administration to build check dams, and drains which have been encroached should be opened to allow the water to flow.” Shopkeepers have also begun clearing the mud outside their shops.
Recent Cloudburst
On August 15, a cloudburst in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir triggered a flash flood. The cloudburst was reported in the Arin area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora. The heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding, submerging many areas. However, there were no reports of casualties.
Doubts Revealed
Jammu and Kashmir -: Jammu and Kashmir is a region in the northern part of India. It is known for its beautiful mountains and valleys.
Flash Floods -: Flash floods are sudden and very fast floods that happen when there is a lot of rain in a short time. They can be very dangerous.
Landslides -: Landslides happen when a lot of rocks and soil slide down a hill or mountain. This can happen because of heavy rain.
Srinagar Meteorological Centre -: The Srinagar Meteorological Centre is a place where scientists study the weather in Srinagar, a city in Jammu and Kashmir. They predict what the weather will be like.
Cloud Bursts -: A cloud burst is when a lot of rain falls in a very short time, like someone pouring a bucket of water from the sky. It can cause sudden floods.
Ganderbal -: Ganderbal is a district in Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the places affected by the heavy rain.
Bandipora -: Bandipora is another district in Jammu and Kashmir. It experienced flooding because of a cloud burst.
Check Dams -: Check dams are small dams built across streams or rivers to slow down the flow of water. They help prevent floods and manage water better.