Srinagar, Aug 18: The Jammu and Kashmir government has put both the authorities and the public on alert after the Meteorological Department (MeT) Srinagar forecasted moderate to heavy rainfall in multiple districts in the coming days, raising fears of flash floods, landslides, and other calamities in the hilly Union Territory. Following the Weather advisory, news agency KINS reported that the government has directed deputy commissioners, senior officials, engineers, and frontline employees to remain on the highest level of preparedness.
The District authorities have been asked to ensure readiness of relief camps, and stock essential supplies like medicines, food items, and drinking water in vulnerable areas. The District commissioners have issued the weather advisories asking both the public and all line departments to remain alert and take precautionary measures. Sources told KINS that the government has also instructed the Police and SDRF to remain alert for evacuation, rescue and crowd management if required. Authorities have been asked to work in close coordination with police, civil defence, and local volunteers for the adverse weather patterns. According to the weather bulletin, August 18–19 is likely to bring widespread light to moderate rain and thunderstorms, with intense downpours in Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, and Kathua districts. Mountainous districts like Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban, along with parts of Kashmir Valley, may also face moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds. From August 20–22, the weather is expected to turn hot and humid, though isolated heavy showers cannot be ruled out, particularly in Jammu, Kathua, and Samba during the night of August 22. Another wet spell is predicted between August 23–25, bringing light to moderate rainfall across J&K with chances of localized cloudbursts and flash floods.
The MeT department has issued a cautionary note highlighting the risk of: Cloudbursts in higher reaches, Flash floods in low-lying areas, Landslides and mudslides in hilly and mountainous terrain and shooting stones along vulnerable highway stretches. This advisory has particular relevance for the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway and other interior routes in Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal region, and North Kashmir, which often get disrupted due to landslides during heavy rainfall. People have been urged to take extra precautions, especially those living near rivers, streams, and water bodies. The government has advised citizens to avoid kachha houses or unstable structures that may collapse due to waterlogging of soil erosion. Travelers, tourists, and transporters have been strongly cautioned to plan journeys carefully, avoiding hilly roads during heavy showers.
“Extreme caution should be exercised while trekking or traveling in mountainous terrain. The public must stay updated with weather advisories and follow instructions from local authorities,” an official spokesman said. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has been directed to maintain a 24x7 vigil on rivers, canals, and reservoirs. Engineers have been asked to monitor water levels closely and share real-time updates with the district administrations. Emergency response teams will be mobilized if water levels rise beyond danger marks. Officials said lessons learned from the Kishtwar disaster are being applied immediately, with a greater emphasis on early warning systems, quick mobilization of rescue forces, and coordination among departments. KINS further reported that LG Manoj Sinha and the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, according to officials, have also instructed the administration to treat the forecast with utmost seriousness and ensure that no delay occurs in rescue or relief operations.
“The government is committed to protecting lives. All departments have been instructed to be on alert. We are prepared to meet any eventuality,” an official spokesman of the government told KINS. The MeT department has issued an advisory for the citizens asking them to stay away from rivers, nullahs, and vulnerable slopes.
Avoid unnecessary travel in hilly terrain during heavy rainfall. Do not take shelter in makeshift or kachha houses. Tourists and trekkers should seek weather updates before planning expeditions. Transporters are advised to avoid night travel on mountainous roads. With Large number of tourists currently visiting Kashmir the peak travel season, officials have directed tour operators and hoteliers to inform visitors about weather risks and ensure safety protocols.(KINS)
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