Deputy Director MeT deptt Srinagar, Mukhtar Ahmad

Hailstorms continue to wreak havoc in South Kashmir parts; No major activity expected till April end, says weatherman

Srinagar, Apr 21: After three-day wet spell, the weather conditions improved on Monday across Jammu and Kashmir while the hailstorms continued to wreak havoc in multiple areas across South Kashmir causing further losses to the fruit growers and orchardists.

Director Meteorological department, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that the weather conditions have improved today, but some areas have witnessed thundershower activity including Ramban and Banihal.

However, he said that there is no forecast of any major weather activity till the end of this month, but added that light weather activity on April 24 evening or April 25 cannot be ruled out.

The KNO has received the reports that the hailstorm continued to occur in multiple areas of southern districts today for the third straight day, causing extensive losses to the fruit growers and orchardists.

For the losses, the government has already directed the district administrations in Kulgam and Shopian to assess the losses for the compensation.

It is worth mentioning here that the three-day wet spell led to the closure of many crucial roads including the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, which has witnessed massive damage and would likely take a few days to clear the debris and throw the road open for vehicular movement.

Furthermore, three people including two minor siblings have died in a landslide in Ramban area.

Meanwhile, in its advisory, the MeT has stated that all concerned are advised to plan accordingly and follow the administration and traffic advisories.

The farmers have been advised to resume the farm operations from tomorrow (April 22) onwards, it reads, adding that since due to the continuous rain during the past 3 days, the possibility of landslides, shooting stones and rock fall at vulnerable places can’t be ruled out.

The advisory appealed people to stay inside and at safe places during thunder, lightning and gusty winds.(KNO)