Unexpected snowfall in Gurez, Zojila sectors brings down temperature in Kashmir
Two persons injured after rain water inundates several houses in Bandipora village
Srinagar: Some places in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall, while the plains were lashed by rain in the early hours of Thursday, bringing down temperatures, officials said.
The frontier Gurez sector in north Kashmir’s Bandipora, Zojilla Pass along the Srinagar-Leh national highway and Sonamarg received snowfall. A few other peaks in the higher reaches of the valley were also draped in white.
The plains of the valley, including the summer capital of Srinagar, were lashed by intermittent rains.
Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm late Wednesday night left a road in Bandipora district severely damaged, while water and mud entered several nearby homes, the officials said.
The rain also triggered waterlogging and mudflow in the area, disrupting movement.
The rain and snow brought respite from the heatwave-like conditions in Kashmir.
The meteorological department said there is a possibility of one or two spells of light rain and thundershowers with gusty winds and hailstorm at many places over Thursday and Friday.
The weather is likely to stay generally dry in the forenoon, with brief showers likely towards late afternoon hours at isolated to scattered places till May 25, it said.
Meanwhile, heavy rains accompanied by thunderstorms affected districts including Srinagar, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Baramulla and Kupwara. While the showers brought relief from rising temperatures, they also led to waterlogging and temporary disruptions.
In Bandipora, heavy rainfall triggered flooding near Darul Uloom Rahimiya along the Srinagar-Bandipora road, with water and mud entering residential areas and damaging houses.
Two houses belonging to Nazir Ahmad Dar and Reyaz Ahmad Dar of Nusoo village were partially damaged. Two persons, including a minor girl identified as Muskaan, sustained minor injuries. One was discharged after treatment, while the other was undergoing treatment at District Hospital Bandipora.
Residents alleged the incident was caused by blocked drainage and leaking pipes, claiming that repeated requests to authorities for clearance had gone unaddressed. They also said a drain under construction had been reduced in size, leading to overflow during heavy rain.
The affected families demanded compensation and urgent repairs, including restoration of the damaged road and strengthening of protection works.
Officials said restoration teams had been deployed, with Tehsildar Bandipora visiting the site to assess the situation.
Rainwater also accumulated in low-lying areas of Srinagar and other towns, briefly affecting vehicular movement. Authorities have advised residents in flood-prone and vulnerable areas to remain cautious.
The Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir till Saturday, with higher activity expected over the Kashmir region. Short intense showers, gusty winds, lightning and hailstorms are possible at isolated places.
