The Meteorological Department of Jammu and Kashmir has issued Red and Orange Alerts for several districts across the Union Territory, signaling the potential for severe weather conditions. According to the MeT Department, districts including Jammu, Rajouri, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, Anantnag, and Srinagar are set to experience intense showers until July 23.
The advisory predicts heavy rainfall across various districts in both the Jammu and Kashmir divisions, raising concerns about possible landslides and flash floods. The weather is expected to remain generally cloudy with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers in many areas. However, intense showers may occur in isolated locations, leading to heavy to very heavy rainfall.
As a precautionary measure, all schools in Rajouri district have been closed for today. The MeT Department forecasts that the next 4-6 hours will bring generally cloudy weather with intermittent rain and thundershowers across many parts of North Kashmir, as well as Central and South Kashmir, including Banihal, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua, Doda, and Kishtwar.
In the northern regions of Jammu and Kashmir—specifically Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla, and parts of Central Kashmir—intense rain showers accompanied by gusty winds (30-40 km/h) are expected today. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued alerts for various districts due to the possibility of flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. Authorities have advised Shikara owners to suspend boating activities during periods of intense rain and gusty winds.
People in higher reaches are urged to exercise caution regarding landslides and flash floods. An advisory has been issued warning that flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones may occur in susceptible locations. Tragically, one student was killed in Poonch district when a massive rock fell on a school building, injuring another student.
Looking ahead, the MeT Department anticipates intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers from July 23 to July 24, with the potential for intense showers and heavy rainfall in isolated areas of the Jammu division. The government has also advised farmers to suspend agricultural operations during this period.
In a related development, flash floods have impacted the Nallah at Village Purtikchay Tai in the Suru Sankoo area of Kargil; however, no loss of life or damage has been reported as authorities continue to monitor the situation closely.
