Jammu: Authorities on Saturday issued advisories amid a weather forecast of intense rainfall with possibility of cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in high altitude areas of Jammu and Kashmir during the next four days.
An alert has been issued by the local Meteorological Department (MeT) here for the next 48 hours for two Kashmir districts, including Anantnag and Kulgam, and all 10 districts of the Jammu region.
Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Ramban and Kishtwar have separately issued advisories as a precautionary measure, asking people to avoid venturing near nallahs, riverbanks, flood-prone, or waterlogged areas, keep emergency supplies ready and stay updated with official weather advisories.
People have been asked to remain vigilant and prioritize personal and community safety at all times, evade unnecessary travel, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Residents in vulnerable areas should identify safer locations and move in consultation with local authorities, stay away from landslide-prone zones, fast-flowing streams, and unstable slopes, an official spokesperson said.
Director MeT, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, in a detailed forecast, predicted light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places till August 26. He said heavy rainfall is expected in Jammu, Reasi, Udhampur, Samba, Rajouri, and Kathua, while moderate to heavy rainfall or intense showers are expected in Poonch, Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar, as well as in the southern parts of Kashmir division.
Ahmad said hot and humid weather is expected, with brief spells of rain and thunder at a few places from August 27 to 31.
He added that generally hot and humid weather, with brief spells of rain and thundershowers, is expected at a few places from September 1 to September 5.
Moreover, in its advisory, the MeT has appealed to people to stay away from water-bodies, streams, river embankments, loose structures, kacha houses, etc.
The MeT has advised the concerned authorities to follow precautions accordingly.
The advisories were released in view of the prevailing weather conditions and rainfall alert issued by the Srinagar centre of the Indian Meteorological department, predicting intense rainfall with the possibility of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides and mudslides across Jammu and Kashmir, from August 23 to 27.
The spokesperson said all government departments have been directed to remain on high alert.
Ensure that the field staff remain stationed at their respective headquarters and be prepared to provide immediate assistance, he said, adding all tehsildars have been instructed to report immediately any loss of life or property due to prevailing weather conditions to the office of deputy commissioner without delay.
For any exigency, the general public was asked to contact the Police Control Room, district control Rooms and emergency response support system (ERSS).
