Another spell of heavy rain forecast in Jammu region

Another spell of heavy rain forecast in Jammu region
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Jammu, August 22
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forewarned the state government about another spell of heavy rain in the next 24 hours similar to the downpour last week that caused heavy losses due to flash floods. Heavy rain claimed 15 lives and damaged property worth Rs 20 to 25 crore across the region last week.

Talking to The Tribune over the phone, Sonam Lotus, in-charge of the IMD, said, “The monsoon is reviving and another spell of heavy rain may start in the next 24 to 48 hours.”

He said they had informed the authorities concerned to take preventive measures so that the losses due to flash floods could be minimised. He added that, “As per the fresh data, heavy rain will lash almost all parts of the region and will continue for a longer period.”

Being a hill state, the weather forecast is more important here and the administration always follow the IMD’s suggestions. Even the vehicular movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway depends upon the weather forecast.

Meanwhile, the administration has started taking preventive measures to save the low-lying areas from floods. Last time, heavy rain triggered landslides and damaged roads, bridges and uprooted a number of trees. A number of houses also collapsed.

Pawan Kotwal, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, said, “We have told the officials concerned to get ready to tackle any untoward situation due to rain. The restoration work for the roads and the bridges damaged last week is also in full swing.”