65 sheep, goats killed in lightning, hail-storm in Latti
Srinagar records hottest May day in 13 yrs
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, May 24: At least 65 sheep and goats were killed and a villager injured due to lightning and hailstorm in remote Latti area of Dudu Sub Division in Udhampur, the rain brought some respite from scorching heat wave in Jammu areas while authorities in Kashmir issued an advisory today amid soaring temperatures in the Valley, with Srinagar recording its hottest May day in 13 years.
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The people in winter capital Jammu and its adjoining areas, had big relief from the scorching heat wave, after rain and wind storm in the evening. The rain was also reported from various areas of Poonch, Mendhar, Katra- Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua and parts fo Samba district. Strong wind-storm in Kathua and parts of Samba besides Jammu caused damage to the power infrastructure while many trees were uprooted in Kathua area, causing road blockade at several places. However, no body was injured during the windstorm. Many power lines were broken and transformers damaged.
The power supply to most of the parts in Jammu, Akhnoor, Samba and Kathua was snapped since nearly 6 pm on Friday. It could not be restored even after four-five hours of breakdown. In Latti and Dudu- Basantgarh area heavy hail-storm and thunder- storm was reported.
During lightning and hailstorm, at least 65 sheep and goats of two villagers were killed and over a dozen injured. A shepherd grazing the cattle also sustained minor injuries but had miraculous escape in the natural calamity. The cattle belonged to Hans Raj and his brother-Naseebu, both sons of Bali Ram, resident of Napah village in Tehsil Latti and the police and Revenue officials along with Veterinary team rushed to the spot.
Meanwhile, after rain and windstorm, significant fall in temperature was recorded in Jammu this evening. The power supply was also hit for several hours due to damage caused to the power lines and transformers.
A MeT spokesman said that Jammu recorded a day temperature of 40 degree Celsius, but during late evening mercury experienced significant fall in temperature. The minimum temperature in Jammu was recorded as 27.6 degrees Celsius which was 3.2 degrees above normal. Over four to five degrees fall in night temperature is expected on Saturday morning.
Holy township of Katra recorded maximum temperature of 36.4 deg C, Bhaderwah town 32.4 degrees, Batote 29.9 while Banihal town a day temperature of 28.6 deg C today. However, the night temperature at Katra remained 23.2 deg C, Bhaderwah 13.0 deg, Batote 15.3 deg and at Banihal 12.6 deg C on Friday.
The MeT has predicted almost dry weather for the next four days in the Jammu and Kashmir.
A MeT official said that the maximum temperature in Srinagar on Thursday was recorded at 32.2 degrees Celsius — the same as on May 25, 2013. On May 20, 2011, Srinagar had recorded a maximum temperature of 32.3 degrees Celsius. Thursday’s maximum temperature was 7.4 notches above normal for this time of the season.
He further said that hot and dry weather will persist during this time, with no major rainfall activity till the end of the month. The weather will be generally dry with the possibility of thundershowers at a few isolated places till May 28, the official said.
During May 29-31, the weather is likely to remain partly to generally cloudy with the possibility of light rain/thunder at isolated places towards the afternoons, he added.
With the temperatures soaring, the Directorate of Health Services has issued an advisory, asking people to be vigilant about health risks associated with extreme heat, as the summer season has peaked in the Valley.
Suggesting that people stay hydrated, it said, “Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to dehydration. Persons working under the conditions of high temperature and humidity should assuredly drink cold water.”
The duration of exposure to hot environments should be reduced, the advisory said and added that periods of rest must be ensured between intense work sessions. It also suggested taking cool showers or baths at home to lower the body temperature.
It is noteworthy that on May 23, the maximum temperature recorded in Srinagar was 32.2 degrees Celsius, a 7.4-degree departure from the normal. Similar conditions have been observed in other districts of Kashmir as well.
Meanwhile, immediate relief from the rising temperatures is unlikely in Kashmir for the next week, with MeT officials stressing the possibility of further increases until May 30. They also informed that Srinagar has recorded the highest of 34 degree temperature in May in 1995.
“The temperature can touch 33 degrees Celsius in the coming days, with some relief likely from May 31; overall, no significant weather activity till May 31; hot and dry weather to continue over hilly districts as well,” Director MeT station Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said.
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