Srinagar, Aug 24: Continuous rainfall over the past 24 hours has caused significant damage to paddy crops across several districts of Kashmir, with Central Kashmir’s Budgam district reported to be the worst affected. The heavy downpour has also triggered warnings of flash floods and landslides in vulnerable areas, while temperatures have dropped considerably, adding to public concern.
Farmers in Budgam told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that standing paddy crops have been flattened and waterlogged fields have left them staring at huge losses. Similar reports of crop damage have emerged from Pulwama, Ganderbal, and elsewhere.
According to the Meteorological Department, the rainfall recorded till 8:30 a.m. today stood at 13.5 mm in Srinagar, 31.2 mm in Qazigund, 21.6 mm in Pahalgam, 32 mm in Kokernag, 30 mm in Gulmarg, 61.2 mm in Awantipora, 37 mm in Pulwama and 21 mm in Budgam. Other areas such as Shopian, Kulgam, Khudwani, Sangam and Baramulla region also received moderate rainfall.
In Jammu region, torrential rains lashed several districts with Jammu City recording 190.4 mm of rainfall, marking the second-highest August downpour in nearly a century. Katra recorded 115.4 mm, Udhampur 144.2 mm, Kathua 90.2 mm, Samba 109 mm and Jammu Airport 166 mm. The heavy rains caused waterlogging in low-lying areas and raised flood concerns along the Tawi and Basantar rivers.
In the Ladakh region, light rainfall was reported with Leh recording 0.4 mm and Kargil 1 mm.
Authorities have urged people to remain alert and avoid venturing near riverbanks or hilly areas prone to flash floods and landslides. Relief and rescue teams have been placed on standby in case the water levels rise further. [KNT]
