Srinagar, Jul 14: A lightning strike killed over 60 sheep, a buffalo and a dog in Poonch district on Tuesday as the Meteorological Department forecast another spell of heavy rain and warned of flash floods and landslides later this week.
Officials said that the lightning struck a grazing area in Surankote, killing more than 60 sheep belonging to a local shepherd. A buffalo and a dog also died in the incident. No human casualties were reported.
In Anantnag district, residents of Awoora village continued to grapple with the aftermath of a cloudburst that triggered flash floods, damaging at least 18 houses besides orchards, agricultural land and village infrastructure. Several affected families have been left without shelter and sources of livelihood, officials said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said weather across Jammu and Kashmir is likely to remain generally hot and humid from July 15 to 17, with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at scattered places.
A fresh spell of wet weather is expected from July 18, with light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places on July 18 and 19. The weather office said rainfall activity is likely to intensify between July 20 and 22, with heavy rain and brief intense showers expected at isolated places in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions.
The MeT office warned of the possibility of flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations in the Chenab Valley, Pir Panjal range and some hilly areas of Kashmir division during the July 20-22 period. It also advised people to avoid low-lying areas and stay away from streams and seasonal water channels during periods of heavy rainfall.
According to the IMD’s evening observations, Jammu recorded the highest maximum temperature in the Union Territory at 35.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Katra at 32 degrees and Qazigund at 31.5 degrees. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 29.7 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg registered 22 degrees Celsius.
Officials said district administrations are monitoring vulnerable areas and have asked field agencies to remain prepared in view of the forecast of heavy rainfall over the coming days—(KNO)
