Hail, lightning hit region; girl, 18 sheep die in Dudu
Peer Gali Pass on Mughal Road, Chattergala in Doda closed
Gopal Sharma / Fayaz Bukhari
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Apr 3: Strong Western Disturbances (WDs) led to heavy rain with hail and thunder- storm in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir and fresh snowfall on the higher reaches, further leading to sharp fall in the temperatures across the region.
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The fresh snowfall since morning in Pir Panjal, Seoj Dhar besides other higher reaches in J&K has led to the closer of several passes including Chatergalla on Bhaderwah-Bani road in district Doda, Peer Ki Gali in Poonch besides Sinthan Pass on Kishtwar-Kukernag road. With the snowfall and rain a sharp fall in the temperature has been experienced across the J&K region.
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Massive hailstorm and thunder-storm has caused extensive damage to the crops and fruits trees in Udhampur, Doda and Ramban area besides parts of Kathua and Reasi.
In a lightning incident, a young girl and her 18 sheep were killed and her father injured at Lapa village in Dudu Sub Division this evening. It was raining heavily amidst thunder storm in the area at the time of incident.
The deceased has been identified as Pushpa Devi (18 yrs). Her father Rajinder Kumar Bhagat received serious injuries and was shifted to Latti Hospital. Later he was referred to District Hospital Udhampur. At least 18 cattle (Sheep and goats) of the family were also killed in the incident.
Reports from Rajouri said that district administration has closed government and private schools in view of weather advisory for heavy rain in the region tomorrow.
In winter capital Jammu, heavy rain was experienced during morning and evening hours today. The water-logging was witnessed in several low lying areas and the movement of normal traffic was disrupted.
The reports about brief disruption in traffic movement on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was also reported in Ramban sector. However, the mud and landslides near Jaiswal bridge and Mompassi, Magarkote and several other points were cleared shortly.
Reports said rainfall began across Jammu and Kashmir on Friday as an active Western Disturbance moved into the Union Territory, bringing moderate to widespread showers.
The weather activity is expected to intensify over the next 36 hours, with forecasts indicating continued rainfall, thunderstorms, and gusty winds across several areas.
Rainfall was recorded in multiple parts of both Kashmir and Jammu divisions during the day.
The ski resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir emerged as the wettest location, receiving 16.2 mm of rainfall, followed closely by Srinagar with 14 mm. Other notable rainfall figures included Qazigund at 11.6 mm, Pahalgam at 10.6 mm, and Kupwara at 8.7 mm.
In south Kashmir, Kukernag recorded 6.2 mm of rainfall.
In the Jammu division, Batote reported the highest precipitation at 17.8 mm, while Katra received 13.2 mm and Banihal recorded 11.8 mm. Jammu city experienced comparatively lower rainfall at 9.4 mm, and Bhaderwah registered 8.7 mm.
Meanwhile, weatherman has predicted wet weather till April 10. He said while the effect of the western disturbance would remain till April 4 evening, the weather would remain erratic in Kashmir till April 10.
There is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain/snow at many places with thunder/hailstorm/gusty winds till Saturday evening, it said.
The weatherman said that moderate to heavy rain, or snow in the higher reaches, with brief intense heavy showers at a few places in Kashmir is possible.
“From April 5-6, partly cloudy weather with light rain at isolated places is likely, while from April 7-9, fresh spells of light to moderate rain/snow (higher reaches)/thunder/gusty winds are possible at many places,” it added.
“From April 10-11, a brief spell of light rain/snow (higher reaches) at a few places is also possible,” the MeT Office said.
There is a possibility of thunder/hail/gusty winds (40-50 kmph) at a few places during the next 24 hours and April 7-8.
“Intense heavy showers for a brief period may lead to flash floods/landslides at a few vulnerable places, and water-logging in a few low-lying areas,” it said.
“The MeT Office has advised farmers to suspend all farm operations during this period,” it added.
Meanwhile, historic Mughal Road has been temporarily closed for vehicular movement following heavy rainfall and fresh snowfall in the upper reaches, resulting in unsafe road conditions.
The sudden change in weather has adversely affected the higher altitudes along the route, making vehicular movement risky. As a precautionary measure, authorities have suspended traffic on the road to ensure the safety of commuters.
While speaking to Excelsior, SSP Traffic Rural Jammu, Farooq Qaiser confirmed that the road remained closed due to snowfall in the upper reaches of the Mughal Road. He further stated that a decision regarding the reopening of the road will be taken tomorrow after a thorough assessment of the prevailing weather and road conditions.
Commuters and the general public are advised to avoid travel on the Mughal Road until further updates are issued by the concerned authorities.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and necessary measures will be taken to restore traffic once conditions improve.
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