SRINAGAR : The Meteorological department has issued a warning that there could be landslides and avalanches in the Jammu and Kashmir because of rain and snowfall during the next one week.
A ski guide was recently killed under a snow avalanche in Gulmarg sector last week.
Director of Met department Sonam Lotus said here this afternoon that the Western Disturbance (WD) that is persisting over Jammu and Kashmir is likely to affect the state from today till February 24, with occasional gaps. He said under the influence of this weather system, there could be thundershower(hailstorm ) in plains of Jammu division and snowfall over higher reaches will occur at most places of Kashmir and Jammu divisions and at many places of Ladakh region. Some places may receive heavy rain or snow during this period.
Mr Lotus warned that these weather conditions may trigger landslide and avalanche in vulnerable areas of the state. He said the above weather system may disrupt surface and air transport during these days. But, he said during this period, there will be significant decrease in day temperatures and slight rise in night temperature.
Meanwhile, authorities have already issued a weather warning in the avalanche prone areas of Kashmir valley and Ladakh region, following prediction of snowfall from today. The Divisional Administration has directed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Ganderbal, Shopian, Bandipora, Kupwara and Kargil to take all necessary arrangements to meet any snow challenge.
The DCs have advised the people living in avalanche prone areas above 2500 meters not to venture out to avoid any accident. An official spokesperson said people have been asked to keep cleaning the snow deposition from roof tops of the houses and bankers to avoid any untoward incident during the snowfall. People have also been advised to temporarily evacuate from those locations, which are under the line of avalanche, he added. Meanwhile, District Development Commissioner of Srinagar Dr Farooq Ahmad Lone has directed departments like Power Development Department (PDD), Mechanical Engineering, Public Health Engineering (PHE), Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Drainage, UEED, Fire and Emergency Services to ensure that men and machinery are kept ready to face any eventuality due to snow fall or heavy rains in Srinagar.
He said general public should face no difficulties whatsoever, and all line departments are enjoined upon to ensure that normal life does not get impacted adversely due to snow or rainfall. (AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel