Srinagar: More than 60 sheep, a buffalo and a dog were killed in a lightning strike in Poonch district on Tuesday, while the Meteorological Department forecast another spell of heavy rainfall and warned of flash floods and landslides in parts of Jammu and Kashmir from July 20 to 22.
Officials told the Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the lightning struck a grazing area in Surankote, killing the livestock belonging to a local shepherd. No human casualties were reported.
Meanwhile, residents of Awoora village in Anantnag district continued to face the aftermath of a recent cloudburst that triggered flash floods, damaging at least 18 houses, besides orchards, agricultural land and village infrastructure. Officials said several affected families have been left without shelter and sources of livelihood.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), weather across Jammu and Kashmir is expected to remain generally hot and humid from July 15 to 17, with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at scattered places.
A fresh spell of wet weather is likely from July 18, with light to moderate rain and thundershowers expected at many places on July 18 and 19.
The weather office said rainfall activity is likely to intensify between July 20 and 22, with heavy rain and brief intense showers at isolated places in both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
The IMD has warned of the possibility of flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations in the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range and some hilly areas of the Kashmir division during the July 20–22 period.
The department advised people to avoid low-lying areas and stay away from streams and seasonal water channels during spells of heavy rainfall.
According to IMD observations, Jammu recorded the highest maximum temperature in the Union Territory at 35.2°C, followed by Katra (32°C), Qazigund (31.5°C), Srinagar (29.7°C) and Gulmarg (22°C).
Officials said district administrations have asked field agencies to remain on alert and monitor vulnerable areas in view of the forecast of heavy rainfall later this week.
