Rains lash Kashmir valley

Srinagar: Rains lashed many parts of Kashmir Valley, including summer capital Srinagar, even as meteorological department here predicted the wet weather spell to continue for two more days.

Moderate rainfall was witnessed in plain areas of Kashmir, while heavy rains lashed most of the higher reaches of the Valley, an official of the MET office said.

He said Srinagar recorded 12.8 mm of rainfall during the day, while Kupwara, in north Kashmir recorded 18.2 mm of rains, the official said.

He said the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg recorded 17.8 mm of rainfall during the day and 12 mm during the night.

The hill resort of Pahalgam, in south Kashmir, recorded 18 mm of rains during the last 24 hours, the official said.

He said moderate to heavy rainfall would continue in the plain areas while higher reaches of the Valley may experience heavy rains or snow for two more days.

In view of the rain forecast, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar reviewed preparedness of departments to meet any eventuality including dewatering of waterlogged areas, an official spokesman said.

He said the meeting was informed that the concerned departments have made all arrangements and are ready to meet any eventuality in case of heavy rain fall.

Men and machinery have been kept on standby to drain out water from inundated areas if any, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, District Administration Ganderbal has issued weather advisory and asked the people residing in Sub-Division Kangan, particularly Gund to Sonamarg area, and Tehsil Lar, particularly Watlar, Waliwar, Chountiwaliwar, Chathangulabpora, not to venture near slopes of forest, hilly areas and other avalanche prone areas in wake of the prevailing adverse weather conditions, the spokesman said.