Heavy Rain, Snowfall Forecast for J&K: Govt Issues Advisory, Urges Farmers to Suspend Operations

Ziraat Times News Desk

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction Department on Saturday issued a weather advisory following a significant forecast from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Srinagar, warning of widespread rain and snowfall across J&K  from October 4 to October 7, 2025.

According to the IMD, an active Western Disturbance is set to affect J&K, bringing moderate to heavy snowfall in higher reaches, light snowfall in middle reaches, and moderate to heavy rainfall in the plains of Kashmir. The Jammu Division is likely to witness isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning, hail, and gusty winds ranging between 40–50 kmph, with occasional gusts reaching 60–70 kmph.

The higher reaches expected to be impacted include Anantnag, Pahalgam, Kulgam, Sinthan Pass, Shopian, Pir Ki Gali, Sonamarg–Zojila, Bandipora–Razdan Pass, Gulmarg, Kupwara, and Sadhna Pass.

Probable Impacts

The department has warned of several possible disruptions, including:

• Disruption of surface transport on Jammu–Srinagar and Srinagar–Leh Highways and other major routes.

• Moderate to severe thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by gusty winds.

• Landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones over vulnerable areas.

• Rise in water levels in rivers, local streams, and nallas leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas.

• Possible travel and communication disruptions in high-altitude and snow-affected regions.

Farmers have been advised to suspend all farm operations from October 5 to October 7, 2025, to avoid losses and ensure safety.

Precautionary Measures

The government has issued detailed dos and don’ts for the public. Citizens are urged to:

• Stay indoors during heavy rain, snowfall, or thunderstorms.

• Keep emergency supplies—food, water, medicines, torch, batteries, and blankets—ready.

• Drive carefully and avoid unnecessary travel.

• Evacuate low-lying areas if advised and secure rooftops and farm equipment.

• Monitor official updates from IMD and Disaster Management authorities.

People have been cautioned not to venture into flooded rivers or nallas, avoid outdoor activities in hailstorms or strong winds, and not to stay in avalanche-prone areas.

Emergency Helplines

For emergency assistance, the following numbers have been activated:

• Emergency Helpline: 112

• UT Emergency Operation Centre: 0194-2502254, 0194-2950767

• Mobile Helplines: 7006067453, 9086131746

The advisory has been issued by the Chief Executive Officer, Emergency Relief Organization, J&K, who has directed all government departments and disaster management teams to remain on alert and activate emergency machinery to safeguard life and infrastructure.