SRINAGAR: Widespread rainfall across most parts of Kashmir on Sunday brought relief from the intense heatwave that had gripped the Valley over the past several days, although the downpour caused waterlogging in parts of Srinagar as the Meteorological Department warned of more heavy rain until July 23.
The rainfall came a day after most weather stations in Kashmir recorded above-normal maximum temperatures, with Srinagar registering 35.9 degrees Celsius on Saturday, its highest maximum temperature of the year.
The heatwave had prompted the Jammu and Kashmir Government to extend the summer vacation for schools in the Kashmir Division and the winter zone of Jammu Division until July 22.
While the rain provided respite from the soaring temperatures, it inundated roads in several parts of Srinagar, including Khanyar, Lal Chowk and Hawal, leading to waterlogging and disruption to normal traffic movement.
Meanwhile, the adverse weather wreaked havoc in the Jammu region, where at least a dozen people were killed and several others went missing after torrential rain triggered landslides and flash floods in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. A multi-agency rescue operation is underway in the affected areas.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23 and advised people to remain alert in view of the possibility of flash floods, landslides and other weather-related hazards.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid vulnerable areas and follow official advisories. Control rooms have also been established to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency response efforts.
