A fresh rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir has brought much-needed respite from the heatwave and reduced the rainfall deficit to 28 per cent from the earlier 50 per cent at the end of June, officials have said.
The intense rainfall from the past three days has brought relief to farmers, especially orchardists, while also bringing temperatures that had remained above normal for weeks.
Besides Kashmir, the Jammu division has also received above-normal rainfall, thus recording a seasonal surplus of more than 2 per cent.
However, Ladakh continues to face a significant shortfall, especially in Leh, though Kargil and other nearby areas have reported normal precipitation.
MeT director Mukhtar Ahmad said “With more intermittent showers likely through July 23, we anticipate further improvement in Kashmir’s rainfall figures. Jammu is also expected to receive additional rainfall, taking it well above normal levels.”
Director of the Meteorological Department in Ladakh, Sonam Lotus, said the seasonal waves from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea have contributed to the irregular pattern of rainfall this year.
He said there is no immediate threat of flooding. “The water levels in rivers and streams remain within safe limits,” he said.
Meanwhile, the MET department has issued a weather advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, predicting heavy rainfall, flash floods, and an increased risk of landslides at isolated locations between July 16-17 and again from July 21 to 23.
In one of the accidents on Thursday, a woman, Yatri, and three others were injured in a landslide near the Z-Morh tunnel in Ganderbal in central Kashmir.
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