Kashmir Valley grapples with torrential rain, floods and snowfall; schools shut
PTC Web Desk: Over the past three days, relentless rainfall has battered the plains of the Kashmir Valley, leading to severe flooding, landslides, and disruption of normal life in regions such as Kupwara and Handwara. Simultaneously, higher elevations such as Gulmarg and the Mughal Road have experienced a resurgence of winter with fresh snowfall.
The adverse weather conditions prompted the authorities to declare the closure of schools across the Kashmir valley on Tuesday. The regional Meteorological Department had anticipated continued precipitation until Tuesday evening. However, there is a forecast for improving weather conditions starting Tuesday evening onwards, with a prediction of generally dry weather and no significant weather events expected from May 1 to May 5.
The torrential rain has led to a surge in water levels, with the Jhelum crossing the flood declaration level in Srinagar on Tuesday morning. Other major rivers and streams, including the Pohru Nallah in Kupwara district, are also dangerously close to their peak levels. In response, the local authorities have set up control rooms to closely monitor the water levels and mitigate potential risks.
Parts of Handwara and Kupwara towns have been submerged due to waterlogging, prompting a swift response from the district administration. The local police, Army, CRPF, and the SDRF have been mobilised to conduct rescue operations and provide assistance to affected residents.
In Anantnag’s Qazigund area, a flash flood caused partial damage to the Nawa Bonigam Bridge, prompting precautionary measures and further disruptions to normal activities. Consequently, all schools in the valley were ordered to remain closed on Tuesday, and the University of Kashmir postponed scheduled examinations for the day.
Meanwhile, areas along the Line of Control and the hilly regions of the Kashmir Valley experienced fresh snowfall, with significant accumulations reported in places like the Drass valley in Kargil and Gurez in Bandipora. Despite the adverse weather, tourists thronged to Gulmarg, a renowned skiing destination, to enjoy the pristine beauty of the freshly snow-covered landscapes.