Srinagar: Incessant rain has caused flood-like situations in some areas of north Kashmir, including Handwara and Kupwara. A video shared on X by ANI shows a flooded area in Chogal village, Kupwara district.
Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority has declared a holiday for schools in the Kupwara district on Monday due to inclement weather, although teaching and non-teaching staff will be expected to attend their duties. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more rain over Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, fresh snowfall was reported from Bandipora district and the Machil sector of Kupwara in north Kashmir.
According to a news agency, an avalanche also struck the Sarbal area of Sonamarg. Since it happened on the forest side, there was no damage.
Meanwhile, the IMD has forecast fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall/snowfall accompanied by thunderstorms, in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand today and tomorrow. The IMD said lightning is also very likely while forecasting a possibility of hailstorms today.
The IMD has also said that heat wave to severe heat wave conditions will likely continue over east India till 1 May and south peninsular India for the next 5 days. On Sunday, the IMD issued a red alert for heat waves in Odisha and West Bengal, an orange alert for Bihar and Jharkhand, and a yellow alert for eastern Uttar Pradesh and northern parts of Kerala.
The IMD uses four color codes for weather warnings – green (no action needed), yellow (watch and stay updated), orange (be prepared), and red (take action).
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, conducted an extensive tour of flood-prone areas of Handwara, Kupwara, and Lolab areas of the district to take stock of the flood-like situation caused by the incessant rains in the district.
The DC visited Kawari, Nutnoosa, and Drugmulla located along Nallah Pohru to examine the flood situation and get a first-hand appraisal of the evacuation measures.
She also visited Khumryal, Shumryal, and Gund Jahangeer located along Nallah Lolab, and took stock of the situation.
The DC later visited Sogam and Khan Chak Takipora and interacted with people.
During the visit, the DC stressed that the concerned departments to remain vigilant in case of any exigency.
She asked the concerned officers to be vigilant, and proactive and mobilize men and machinery as and when required to handle any situation. She also called for close coordination to ensure timely rescue and rehabilitation.
Moreover, the DC appealed to the people not to venture close to the water bodies and Nallahs, and contact the District level or Tehsil level control rooms in case of any emergency or the need for any evacuation.
Meanwhile, ADC Kupwara, Muhammad Rouf Rehaman also visited several areas of Kupwara to have appraisal of flood like situation
ADC Handwara, Aziz Ahmad Rather along with other officers made several rounds of Kulangam, GMC Chowgal, Zachaldara, Chotipora, Mawar, and other areas of the Handwara subdivision. He monitored the evacuation measures.
SDM Karnah also paid a visit to several areas of Karnah to assess the situation.
