In the past three days, incessant heavy rain and subsequent flooding have impacted the plains of the Kashmir Valley, leading to landslides and inundating several low-lying villages in Kupwara and Handwara. At the same time, upper regions like Gulmarg and the Mughal Road experienced fresh snowfall, bringing back the wintry cold to the area.
Due to the adverse weather conditions, schools across the valley were instructed to remain closed on Tuesday. The regional Meteorological Department had forecasted continued wet weather until Tuesday evening, with an expected improvement thereafter, leading to generally dry conditions from May 1 to May 5.
The torrential rain caused the Jhelum river in Srinagar to surpass the flood declaration level on Tuesday morning. Additionally, major rivers and streams, including the Pohru Nallah in Kupwara district, were flowing perilously close to the danger mark due to the significant rise in water levels.
Local authorities have activated control rooms to monitor the water levels in Jhelum and other water bodies, while rescue operations are underway in waterlogged areas of Handwara and Kupwara towns. The district administration deployed local police, Army, CRPF, and the SDRF to aid in these efforts.
A flash flood in Anantnag's Qazigund area caused partial damage to the Nawa Bonigam Bridge, prompting precautionary measures from authorities. As a result, all schools in the valley were closed on Tuesday, and the University of Kashmir postponed scheduled examinations.
Meanwhile, fresh snowfall was reported along the Line of Control and in hilly areas of the Kashmir Valley. The Drass valley in Kargil and Gurez in Bandipora recorded significant snowfall, while tourists were drawn to Gulmarg, a popular skiing destination, following the recent snowfall.
