J&K Met Dept issues another alert for heavy rain, flashfloods till August 19

The Meteorological Department has issued yet another alert for cloudburst and flashfloods in Jammu and Kashmir from August 17 to 19.

The Meteorological Center at Srinagar stated that from August 17-19, light to moderate rain/thunder is expected at many places with heavy rain at few places of Jammu division including Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba and Kathua.

Moderate intense showers are also expected over Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban and some places of Kashmir division with gusty winds.

From August 20-22, the weather will be generally hot and humid with brief spell of thundershower at few places. However, from August 23-25 fresh spell of light to moderate rain and thundershower at many places with heavy rain at few places is expected.

The weatherman has issued an advisory stating that there is possibility of cloudburst and flashfloods at few vulnerable places with landslides, mudslides and shooting stones during August 17-19.

“Stay away from water bodies/ streams/ nallas/ river embankments/ loose structures, etc. Travellers/ transporters/ tourists/ trekkers are advised to plan accordingly” the advisory stated.

Interestingly, the MeT department had on August 12 and 13 issued warnings of intense rains in Chenab region where Kishtwar is located but the administration allegedly overlooked them leading to a tragedy in which many people were killed.