SRINAGAR: The Meteorological Department on Wednesday forecast generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain across parts of Jammu division and South and Central Kashmir, while warning of landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and flooding in low-lying areas.
According to the MeT, intermittent rainfall is likely to continue through the day with cloudy gaps in between, while brief spells of rain or thundershowers are expected at a few places on August 28 and 29. Authorities have advised people to stay away from water bodies, river embankments and loose structures, and remain alert to weather updates.
Meanwhile, heavy rains over the past four days have triggered floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, killing at least 30 people after a massive landslide struck the route to the Vaishno Devi shrine near Katra on Tuesday. The pilgrimage has been suspended as rescue efforts continue.
Mobile and internet services remained disrupted in parts of the Kashmir Valley, while major rivers in Jammu division flowed above the danger mark. The Tawi river crossed the evacuation level in Jammu and Udhampur, leading to the closure of the Tawi bridge. The Basantar in Samba, Ujh in Kathua, Chenab in Doda, Ramban and Akhnoor, and rivers in Reasi and Kishtwar also breached danger levels.
A bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot highway collapsed, cutting off traffic, while the Jammu-Srinagar highway was blocked due to shooting stones.
Educational institutions were shut across the region. The J\&K Board of School Education postponed Class 10 and 11 examinations scheduled for Wednesday, while all schools in Jammu division were closed. In Kashmir, schools, colleges and universities were ordered shut in six districts — Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam and Srinagar.
The Border Security Force deferred the Constable (GD) recruitment exam scheduled at Paloura Camp in Jammu. Northern Railway cancelled 18 trains to and from Katra, Udhampur and Jammu, and short-terminated four others.
