Ishtiyaq Kar

Srinagar, Apr 29 (KNS): A relentless downpour since Sunday evening has plunged several districts of the Kashmir Valley into chaos, prompting the closure of numerous schools and leading to the shutdown of the crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
While the administration assures residents that water levels remain below the danger mark, heavy rainfall and snowfall in the upper reaches have caused significant disruptions to normal life on Monday.

News agency KNS reported that the incessant rain, coupled with fresh snowfall in higher altitudes, has caused a notable increase in the water levels of rivers and streams across the valley.
Despite this, authorities have moved to allay fears of imminent flooding, citing active monitoring and precautionary measures in place.

Nevertheless, moderate to heavy rainfall has inundated roads and low-lying areas, severely hampering daily activities throughout Monday.
In response to the adverse weather conditions, several schools suspended classes on Monday to ensure the safety of students.
District administrations in Kupwara, Bandipora, and the sub-division of Kangan Monday announced the closure of educational institutions as a precautionary measure in light of inclement weather and avalanche warnings issued by the JKDMA.
Areas across Kashmir, including Zojila, Sadhna Top, Razdan Pass, and Dawar Gurez, have experienced intermittent heavy rains, accompanied by fresh snowfall in higher altitudes.
The Meteorological Department in Srinagar has forecast continued cloudy weather with the possibility of light to moderate rain and snow, along with potential thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds in isolated areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
The weather will remain generally cloudy with light to moderate rain with thunder at many places on April 30 while the weather will be generally dry with afternoon thundershower activity at a few places between May 1 and 5.
Despite predictions of heavy rainfall, the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department has reassured the public that there is currently no immediate threat of flooding in the Valley.
Officials are actively monitoring water levels in the Jhelum River and other water bodies on an hourly basis, emphasizing the absence of a need to panic at present.
Nevertheless, the heavy rainfall has already resulted in flash floods in several north Kashmir areas and the temporary closure of the Kupwara-Sopore national highway.

Inundation of the highway at multiple locations, including Kawari and Wodhpora, has prompted authorities to divert traffic and temporarily suspend travel along the route.

Additionally, an avalanche struck the Sarbal area of Sonamarg in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Monday. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or financial losses, as the avalanche occurred in a forested area.

The closure of major roadways, including the Jammu-Srinagar highway and Mughal Road, has severely disrupted transportation across the region. Authorities urge residents to avoid unnecessary travel on Jammu- Srinagar National Highway until weather conditions improve and roadways are deemed safe for passage.

Meanwhile in response to the ongoing situation, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has directed officials to remain in their respective districts and assist those affected by the continuous rainfall.
Sinha personally oversees the situation, ensuring all necessary updates and relief efforts are coordinated effectively in affected areas. (KNS)