Valley Soaks Under Heavy Rains, Authorities Activate Control Rooms, IMD Warns of More Rain Till August 19

Srinagar,  KNT: Moderate to heavy rainfall lashed the Kashmir valley on Monday, forcing authorities to step up precautionary measures and activate emergency response units across the valley.

The downpour, which began early in the morning, hit major districts including Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Pulwama. Officials said the rainfall led to increased water flow in rivers and streams, while in Kupwara’s Warnow forest area of Lolab, torrential showers coupled with thunder triggered panic among locals, who rushed to safer locations fearing a cloudburst.

The Meteorological Department’s Srinagar office has issued an advisory predicting moderate to heavy rainfall in most parts of the valley till August 19. The advisory has heightened concern, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas, given the region’s past experiences of sudden cloudbursts and flash floods.

In response, police in almost every district have set up dedicated emergency helplines to assist residents. “General public is advised to exercise utmost caution during the period of weather advisory. Residents living close to river Jhelum and local nallahs are urged not to venture near water bodies or engage in any activity around them until weather conditions improve,” a  police advisory read.

Authorities urged people to remain indoors as much as possible and avoid unnecessary travel to vulnerable zones.

Meanwhile, district administrations in north and south Kashmir have activated control rooms to monitor the evolving situation, coordinate rescue teams if required, and ensure timely dissemination of advisories to the public.

Officials maintained that while no major damage or loss of life has been reported so far, round-the-clock surveillance of water levels is underway, and people have been asked to remain alert and cooperative.
An official ruled out the possibility of any major flood in the Kashmir valley, stating that water levels in the waterbodies are flowing below the danger marks.

The rains are expected to continue for the next two days, keeping the administration and locals on high alert amid persistent fears of flash floods, landslides, and cloudburst-like situations in hilly terrain. [KNT]