Rains bring respite from heat-wave in J&K
26 goats die as ‘Dhok’ collapses in Mahore
Gopal Sharma/ Fayaz Bukhari
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, June 26: The vehicular traffic remained suspended on busy Jammu-Srinagar National Highway for about 10 hours today after massive landslides in Ramban area, seven labourers trapped in flooded Ujh river in Kathua were rescued by the SDRF while at least 26 goats were buried alive under a ‘Kucha Dhok’ in mountainous area of Mahore of district Reasi today amidst heavy rain.
The rains lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir since yesterday, bringing respite from heat wave conditions, even as the weatherman forecast more precipitation in the next few days.
Reports from Ramban said that due to heavy rain during last night and morning hours, landslides and mudslides took place at least at 5-6 places in Mehar and Cafeteria Morh areas of Ramban sector on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. The road was blocked at around 6 am on Monday and a large number of vehicles remained stranded on the highway.
No movement of traffic from Jammu and Srinagar side was allowed since early hours. The NH authorities faced problems in road clearance due to frequent falling of boulders and mudslides on the highway. The road could be cleared at around 4 pm and then the movement of stranded vehicles was allowed.
Reports from Reasi said that a Kucha Dhok of one Mohd Farid, son of Abdullah, resident of Khour Jubar in Mahore area collapsed due to heavy rain today. While the four family members had miraculous escape, at least 26 goats/ cattle of the nomad family were killed. A police party was sent to the spot located in the Pir Panchal mountainous area.
Another house of one Surjit Kumar, resident of Thakari area in Kishtwar collapsed due to rain today. The household items were damaged in collapse, however, no loss of life has been reported in the incident.
Report from Kathua said that due to heavy rain today, river Ujh witnessed flash flood. Several Nallahs were also swollen due to rains and it caused disruption in the movement of traffic on several link roads for hours. Seven labourers fishing in the river were trapped in the flash flood near Rajbagh.
The locals of the area informed police at Rajbagh Police Station about the matter. Later, SDRF team with a boat arrived there. The joint team of SDRF and Police rescued the seven trapped people and brought them safely to the river bank.
Meanwhile, a Meteorological Department official said that generally cloudy weather with intermittent light to moderate rain is expected in Jammu and Kashmir during next 24 hours.”
Regarding June 27, he said, intermittent rain was expected while some places in Jammu region may receive moderate to heavy shower in morning hours.
On June 28-29, he said, intermittent light rain was expected while on June 30, weather is expected to be partly cloudy. “Rain likely in the evening of June 30,” he added.
He said that rain may lead to localized flash floods and mudslides in vulnerable spots, especially in Jammu region.
“Water level in rivers and streams/Nallahs are also expected to rise,” he said, adding, “all are requested to remain cautious and alert during active phase of Monsoon in J&K.”
He said, Srinagar recorded rainfall of 26.8 mm, Qazigund 50.2 mm, Pahalgam 10.7 mm, Kupwara 3.7 mm, Kokernag 20.4 mm and Gulmarg 12.2 mm.
Srinagar recorded a low of 17.6°C against 19.8°C on the previous night but it was above normal by 0.3°C for the city. Qazigund recorded a low of 16.6°C and it was above normal by 0.9°C for the town. Pahalgam recorded a low of 13.8°C against 13.1°C on the previous night and it was 3.1°C above normal for the famous tourist resort.
In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at 15.4°C against 19.2°C on the previous night and it was above normal by 1.8°C for the town. Kokernag recorded a low of 16.3°C against 20.0°C on the previous night and it was 1.0°C above normal for the place.
Gulmarg recorded a low of 11.0°C against 4.6°C on previous night and it was above normal by minus 0.4°C for the skiing resort.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, VK Bidhuri, today ordered that movement of the fruit laden and other trucks on the National Highway is getting hampered and should be given priority.
“In view of the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2023 and taking in to account the condition of National Highway-44, besides, the erratic weather which is leading frequent landslide and shooting stones. The down side movement of fruit laden trucks and other vehicles is being hampered and requires to be given priority,” the order read.
He has ordered that for hassle free movement of traffic in view of Amarnath Yatra on National Highway, all the tankers and empty vehicles from Jammu will be allowed via Mughal road only.
Accordingly, all tankers of Pol, Diesel, LPG bulk gas; all empty LPG Cylinders carrying trucks; all empty vehicles of FCI and any other vehicle having upto 10-tyres vehicles while returning to Jammu shall only use Mughal road.
“In view of above, you are enjoined upto impress upon the concerned to follow directions immediately. The Mughal road will remain open for vehicular traffic from morning 6.00 AM to 6.00 PM,” the order added.
Any violation of the same may attract punitive action from Traffic Police. Action taken report shall reach immediately, the order said.
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