SRINAGAR: The Jammu division is expected to witness further spells of intense rainfall on Wednesday and again around August 10, raising the likelihood of cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable hilly areas, according to weather experts.
The Meteorological Department has forecast intense localised downpours and isolated cloudburst events in parts of the Chenab Valley, Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch on August 4 and 5. Authorities have also warned of a high risk of landslides and shooting stones in susceptible mountainous stretches due to heavy rainfall.
Light to moderate rain is expected to remain fairly widespread across the Jammu region between August 4 and 10. However, rainfall intensity is likely to ease from August 6.
“From August 6, the rainfall intensity will reduce. After August 7, rainfall activity in most locations of Jammu division is likely to decrease. Later, after August 10, rainfall activity will resume with the possibility of intense spells at isolated places,” said Dr Mahender Singh, Chief Scientist and In-charge Agrometeorology at SKUAST-Jammu.
Dr Singh said rainfall recorded up to August 3 stood at 59.4 mm in Udhampur (IAF), 53.4 mm in Kathua, 41.6 mm in Reasi and 18 mm in Jammu.
He added that widespread normal to heavy rainfall during July has eliminated the rainfall deficit across the Jammu division, with several districts now recording surplus precipitation.
Weather advisories issued by divisional and district administrations, along with the police, remain in force, urging residents and travellers to exercise caution in vulnerable areas.
Official data show that Jammu and Kashmir witnessed more than 25 cloudburst incidents between June and the end of July, triggering flash floods. The Jammu region bore the brunt of these events, with the highest number of fatalities and extensive damage to property and infrastructure. Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda and Kishtwar were among the worst-affected districts.
