Srinagar, July 01 (KNO): The southwest monsoon became active across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, bringing widespread rain that triggered flash floods, cloudbursts and a sharp rise in water levels in several districts, while forecasters warned that more intense showers over the next few days could lead to localised flash floods, landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Guridraman village in the Larnoo area of Anantnag district witnessed flash floods following intense rainfall during the afternoon. The sudden surge of water created panic among residents as several students were inside a local school when the flooding occurred.
Villagers rescued the children before police, SDRF and civil administration teams reached the area to launch rescue operations. There were no immediate reports of casualties, while the extent of damage was being assessed.
In the Chenab Valley, two cloudbursts were reported in Kalalgisar village of the Bhalessa region in Doda district after heavy rain lashed the area. Authorities were monitoring the situation amid continuing unstable weather.
Heavy overnight rainfall also pushed up water levels in rivers and seasonal streams across Rajouri district. The district administration kept vulnerable locations under close watch and advised people living near rivers, nallahs and low-lying areas to remain alert and shift to safer places if water levels rose further.
In Kashmir, widespread rainfall was recorded in Pahalgam, Ashmuqam and adjoining areas, bringing relief from the prolonged heatwave. Cloudy skies and showers led to a noticeable fall in temperatures, improving weather conditions across many parts of the Valley.
Earlier in the day, weather monitoring centres had indicated rain and thundershowers over many parts of Ganderbal, Bandipora, Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Poonch, Baramulla, Uri, Gulmarg, the Banihal-Ramban axis, and parts of Doda and Kishtwar. They had also warned that brief but intense showers over Poonch, Budgam, the Ganderbal-Kangan-Sonamarg-Zojila axis, Pahalgam, Shopian, Kulgam and the Banihal-Ramban corridor could trigger localized flash floods, mudslides and landslides. Several of these areas subsequently witnessed intense rainfall.
The active weather coincided with the southwest monsoon advancing across the entire Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh meteorological subdivision on July 1, a day later than the normal onset date. Rainfall during the past 24 hours was highest in Samba at 62.5 mm, followed by Jammu with 35.8 mm, Kathua 23.8 mm and Rajouri 19.6 mm, while light rainfall was recorded at several other stations.
Forecasts indicate generally cloudy conditions with light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places between July 2 and July 4. Heavy rainfall, brief intense showers, thunderstorms and gusty winds are expected at a few locations, particularly across the Jammu division, the Pir Panjal range, Chenab Valley and adjoining parts of south Kashmir.
Between July 5 and July 8, weather is expected to turn hot and humid again, although scattered rain and thunderstorms are likely to continue, especially over parts of Jammu division.
Weather experts said the current spell is being driven by the interaction between active monsoon winds and a series of weak western disturbances expected to affect the region through the week. While prolonged widespread flooding is not anticipated, short-duration intense rainfall and isolated cloudbursts remain possible, increasing the risk of localized flash floods, rising water levels in streams, waterlogging and landslides.
Authorities have advised residents, tourists and trekkers to stay away from rivers, nallahs and landslide-prone areas, monitor official advisories and plan travel carefully over the next few days.
Meanwhile in view of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) nowcast warning forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall across Poonch district, the Health Department has placed all government health institutions on high alert and ordered the immediate cancellation of all staff leave to ensure uninterrupted emergency healthcare services.
According to an official order issued by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Poonch, all health institutions, including District Hospital Poonch, Sub-District Hospitals at Mendhar, Surankote and Mandi, as well as all Primary Health Centres (PHCs), New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs) and Sub-Centres, have been directed to remain fully prepared to deal with any emergency arising from adverse weather conditions.
The directive follows the IMD's warning predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall, with the possibility of flash floods, landslides, road blockages and other rain-related emergencies in the district.
As part of the emergency preparedness measures, the CMO has instructed the Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Poonch and Block Medical Officers of Mendhar, Surankote and Mandi to immediately cancel all kinds of leave, except maternity leave, for medical officers, paramedical staff and other employees working under their control. They have also been directed not to sanction any fresh leave until further orders.
The order stresses that all health institutions must ensure full attendance of doctors, nurses, paramedics and support staff so that medical services remain available round the clock during any emergency situation.
The CMO has further directed all hospitals and healthcare facilities to maintain adequate stocks of emergency medicines, oxygen cylinders, dressings, consumables and life-saving equipment to meet any sudden increase in patient load resulting from weather-related incidents.
Authorities have also been instructed to ensure the 24x7 operational readiness of ambulances and emergency response systems, enabling rapid transportation and treatment of injured or affected persons.
The order further calls for close coordination with the district administration and disaster management authorities to facilitate timely rescue, relief and medical response in the event of floods, landslides or any other natural disaster.
Additionally, the Block Medical Officers of Mandi, Mendhar and Surankote have been asked to establish dedicated control rooms in their respective jurisdictions and submit details of the designated nodal officers, including their names, designations and contact numbers, to ensure effective monitoring, communication and coordination during any emergency.
The CMO warned that any violation of these directions will be viewed seriously, adding that strict disciplinary action will be initiated against officials found negligent in implementing the instructions—(KNO)