JAMMU, Apr 4: While landslides disrupted movement of traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and Batote-Kishtwar road for several hours, the widespread rainfall was recorded across Jammu and Kashmir during the last 24 hours, with several places in both the divisions receiving moderate to heavy rain.The higher reaches in several parts of Kashmir and Jammu regions, including Sadhna Top in Kupwara, Mughal Road in Poonch, Margan Top connecting Anantnag and Kishtwar, and Razdan Top, Gurez and Tulail in Bandipora district, received fresh snowfall. Snowfall was also reported in the upper reaches of Sonamarg, leading to a drop in temperatures across the Valley. The snowfall also led to the closure of many important inter-district roads in Jammu and Kashmir.The MeT office warned of brief intense heavy showers in isolated parts on late Saturday evening, which may lead to flash floods and landslides at a few vulnerable places and water-logging in a few low-lying areas.
Reports from Ramban said that due to landslides in Hingni, Digdole besides 2-3 more points, the movement of traffic on busy National Highway was disrupted during the day. It was raining in the area through out the day. The NHAI machines cleared the highway and restored traffic movement after some time. Three interiors roads including Kanga- Gadri, Khari and Mahu Mangit were also blocked due to land slides overnight.
Heavy rain was reported from Panchari, Landhar, Chenani, Dudu and Mahore areas of Reasi. Higher reaches of Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri have also received fresh snowfall. Bani-Chathergall-Bhaderwah road has also been blocked due to heavy snowfall at Chattergalla Pass. With this, the temperature has experienced sharp fall in the region.
Due to landslides Malhori area, Batote-Doda-Kishtwar road was blocked during last night. The road could be cleared during the day today. Many vehicles remained stranded on the road for several hours.
Meanwhile, MeT data has revealed that Batote in the Jammu region recorded the highest rainfall at 53.8 mm, followed by Baramulla in north Kashmir with 45.5 mm, while the ski- resort of Gulmarg and Katra recorded 32.2 mm each during the last 24 hours.
The summer capital Srinagar recorded 25.1 mm rainfall, while Qazigund received 18.8 mm and Kupwara 14.1 mm.
In Jammu division, besides Batote and Katra, Bhaderwah recorded 26.8 mm rainfall, Jammu received 14.4 mm, Banihal 19.7 mm, and Udhampur 31.7 mm during the same period.
The widespread light to moderate rainfall occurred across the Union Territory under the influence of an active western disturbance.
Meteorological Department has predicted generally partly cloudy weather with light rain at isolated places across Jammu and Kashmir on April 5 and 6. However, a fresh weather system is likely to affect the union Territory from April 7, bringing light to moderate rain at many places, with snowfall expected over higher reaches along with thunderstorms and gusty winds.
The MeT department said scattered places may receive brief spells of light rain and snowfall in higher reaches between April 9 and 11. Thereafter, the weather is expected to remain generally dry from April 12 to April 15 across Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, authorities in Ganderbal district of Kashmir on Saturday issued a medium-danger avalanche warning for the next 24 hours and asked people to remain highly vigilant.
The avalanche of medium intensity is likely to occur above 2,400 metres in the central Kashmir district, an official said.
In view of the danger, the general public is advised to remain highly vigilant, he added.
The district administration also advised people to avoid venturing into avalanche-prone areas, including slopes, hilly terrain and higher reaches, the official said.
Residents, tourists and nomadic communities are requested to follow official advisories and cooperate with the administration in the interest of public safety, the administration said in an advisory.
