Severe Weather Advisory Issued for J&K, Amarnath Yatra Proceeds Despite Heavy Rain

Heavy rainfall is impacting most of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, for a second consecutive day. The Meteorological Department in Srinagar has issued a new advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall, potential flash floods, and the risk of landslides over the next day. Despite the adverse weather, the ongoing Amarnath Yatra is proceeding without interruption, and pilgrims are able to visit the holy cave. Authorities are taking all necessary safety measures and are closely monitoring the routes from both Pahalgam and Baltal. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, the Director of MET in Srinagar, said the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy between July 16–17 and July 21–23, with light to moderate rain and thundershowers in several areas. Intense showers and isolated incidents of heavy to very heavy rainfall are likely during these weather cycles. Additionally, July 18–20 is also forecast to bring scattered to fairly widespread rain or thundershower activity. The advisory warns of flash floods, landslides, and shooting stones. People are advised to stay informed and avoid unnecessary travel. A road accident on the Srinagar-Leh highway near Gumri-Drass resulted in two fatalities and several injuries earlier today.