Red Alert Issued as Torrential Rains Batter J&K; MeT Warns of Flash Floods, Landslides Till July 23

Srinagar, July 20: Torrential rains lashed several parts of Kashmir on Monday, causing widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions and triggering a flash flood in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, even as the Meteorological Department issued a Red Alert for parts of Jammu and Kashmir, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides over the next three days.

According to officials, intense rainfall since the early hours of Monday inundated roads and low-lying areas across the Valley, particularly in Srinagar, leading to waterlogging and traffic congestion.

A cloudburst and heavy downpour in the Safapora area of Ganderbal district triggered a flash flood, causing a sudden rise in water levels in local streams and water bodies. The incident created panic among residents; however, no loss of life or property was reported.

Rainfall recorded during the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am on Monday included Sopore (55.4 mm), Ganderbal (46 mm), Srinagar (45.6 mm), Pampore (21.5 mm), Budgam (15 mm), Bandipora (10.5 mm), Gulmarg (8.2 mm) and Pahalgam (3.2 mm).

The Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23, with weather conditions expected to remain particularly severe through Tuesday and Wednesday.

Director of the Meteorological Department, Mukhtar Ahmad, said the department had already issued an advisory as weather activity intensified across the Union Territory.

“We have already issued an advisory regarding the current weather conditions and the increasing weather activity. Heavy rainfall and, at some places, very heavy rainfall are expected, especially in the Pir Panjal range of the Jammu division,” Ahmad said.

He said that while Kashmir witnessed heavy showers early Monday morning, more rainfall is expected over the coming days. The Valley is likely to experience moderate to heavy showers on Tuesday, especially during the early morning hours, while the Jammu division is expected to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

“There are chances of heavy to, at some places, extremely heavy rainfall,” he said.

Ahmad added that rainfall activity would remain intense through Tuesday and Wednesday, with South Kashmir and adjoining areas likely to witness moderate to heavy showers. Some places may also experience brief but extremely intense spells of torrential rain.

Warning of possible weather-related disasters, the MeT Director said intense rainfall could rapidly inundate low-lying areas and significantly increase the risk of flash floods, overflowing rivers, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones, particularly in vulnerable and hilly districts.

“Such weather activity can trigger flooding in low-lying areas within a very short period. There are high chances of flash floods and rivers overflowing,” Ahmad said.

The Meteorological Department has also warned of isolated heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning in several areas between July 21 and July 23, accompanied by gusty winds reaching 40 to 60 kmph.

Authorities have advised tourists, transporters and residents to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas and strictly follow official advisories.

“There are also high chances of landslides and mudslides in many districts, especially in hilly areas. Therefore, people need to exercise extreme caution to avoid any untoward incidents,” Ahmad said.

The MeT Director also urged farmers to suspend irrigation and other agricultural activities for the next three to four days in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

He said continuous rainfall over the past 48 hours had prompted the department to issue a Red Alert for some districts, while an Orange Alert remains in force for South Kashmir, adjoining areas and parts of North Kashmir.

“Overall, the weather will remain adverse across both the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu division until July 23, after which conditions are likely to improve,” Ahmad said.