Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with the aftermath of torrential rains that have triggered flash floods and landslides across the UT. The severe weather has resulted in the tragic loss of at least three lives and the destruction of over 30 homes in Ramban district. Authorities are on high alert as more rainfall is anticipated today.
The relentless downpour has also wreaked havoc on agriculture, particularly impacting apple orchards in Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam districts. The adverse weather conditions have raised concerns among local farmers as they assess the damage to their crops.
In response to the hazardous conditions, the Education Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sakina Ittoo, announced that all schools in the Kashmir valley will remain closed today. “In light of the continuing severe weather conditions and forecasts, it has been decided that classwork in all schools of the valley shall remain suspended for one day on April 21,” she wrote in a post on social media platform X.
Travel disruptions have compounded the challenges faced by people, as landslides and snowfall have led to the closure of key highways connecting Kashmir to Ladakh, Jammu, and Srinagar to Gurez. The local administration has launched extensive rescue and relief operations, enlisting the support of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Quick Response Teams (QRTs), and local NGOs.
In addition to the heavy rains in the valley, unexpected late-April snowfall has blanketed higher reaches of the region, including Gurez, Sonamarg, and Minimarg. Kargil district in Ladakh has also been affected, with significant disruptions reported. The snowfall has caused damage to trees, properties, and power lines, leaving many areas of Kargil district without electricity. The Electric Distribution Division in Kargil is working tirelessly to restore power services, although challenging weather conditions have hampered their efforts.
The water levels in rivers and tributaries across the Kashmir Valley have risen sharply following the recent rains. The River Jhelum, which had been at a low level just weeks ago, is now experiencing increased flow. However, officials from the Flood and Irrigation department have assured people that there is no immediate danger of flooding.
