Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 28

Rain returned to parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday after several days of relatively clear weather, prompting fresh warnings of flash floods, landslides and other rain-related hazards as forecasters predicted unsettled conditions through August 4.

Light to moderate rain was reported in northern districts including Kupwara, Bandipora, and Baramulla, as well as Ganderbal, while parts of south Kashmir saw scattered showers accompanied by gusty winds.

Heavy showers were also reported in parts of the Jammu region, including Rajouri, Reasi, Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar.

A cloudburst struck Nagmarg in Bandipora district in the evening, triggering flash floods in downstream villages, residents said.

Muddy water and debris moved through low-lying areas, threatening homes, farmland, and infrastructure.

Residents living near streams moved to safer locations as water levels rose rapidly.

Officials said the situation was being monitored and damage was being assessed.

Strong winds accompanying the rain also uprooted trees and branches, affecting traffic and power supplies in parts of the district.

The Meteorological Centre forecast intermittent rain and thunderstorms at many places across Jammu and Kashmir until August 4.

While rainfall in Kashmir is expected to remain generally light to moderate, parts of the Jammu region could receive torrential showers on July 30 and 31, the weather office said.

“There is no forecast of any major widespread weather activity, and the rainfall will largely remain localised,” Director of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar Mukhtar Ahmad said.

He said Udhampur and adjoining areas could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall, with the strongest activity expected during the night of July 30.

Authorities advised residents, tourists, travellers, and transporters to avoid streams, nallahs, and landslide-prone areas and to follow official advisories.

The latest warning comes after heavy rain last week triggered flash floods, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones in several districts.

Rajouri and Poonch were among the worst-hit areas, with 28 people reported dead and damage to homes, roads, bridges, crops, and other infrastructure.

Rising water levels in the Jhelum and other water bodies had earlier prompted flood alerts in Kashmir, while flash floods and landslides damaged roads, bridges, irrigation facilities, and agricultural land.

Although water levels receded as weather conditions improved, officials warned that another spell of intense rainfall could again disrupt normal life in vulnerable areas.