Teenager dies in lightning strike at Kulgam
Srinagar: After enduring a prolonged dry spell and intense heat, farmers across Kashmir are finally breathing a sigh of relief as much-needed rainfall has arrived in the region. The showers, which began on Thursday, have brought renewed hope to farmers, especially those in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
For nearly three months, Kashmir had been gripped by unusually dry conditions, which raised concerns among farmers about the impact on their crops. However, the rainfall has rejuvenated their spirits and brought optimism for a better yield.
Mohammad Saleem, a farmer of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district expressed his relief, saying that the prolonged heatwave and dry spell had led to the outbreak of various diseases in orchards and paddy fields.
He said the rain would help in combating issues like Alternaria and spider mites, which had plagued their crops. “This rain will enhance the shine of the produce, as well as its size and quality,” Saleem added.
Similarly, Sameer Ahmad, another farmer, said the rainfall is crucial for both agriculture and horticulture, including the saffron crop. “The lack of rainfall had raised concerns about the quality and yield of the apple crop, with many growers fearing significant losses. However, the recent showers have rekindled hope among the farming community,” he said.
Growers also said that the timely rain would benefit high-density apple orchards, which are now expected to enter the harvesting phase. “These modern orchards, known for producing higher yields of premium quality apples, are now poised to begin the harvesting season in full swing,” they said.
The rain has not only replenished soil moisture levels but has also ensured that the apples will grow to their optimal size and quality, promising good returns for the growers.
Farmers are now preparing for the high-density apple-picking process, which is expected to commence in the next two to three days. The recent rainfall is seen as a blessing, as it has revived hopes for a successful season and alleviated the stress caused by the prolonged dry spell.
Experts have echoed the sentiments of the farmers. “This spell of rain is crucial for the farming community in Kashmir. With the high-density apple-picking season set to begin, growers are looking forward to a productive and profitable period ahead,” they said.
Meanwhile, the cloudburst in Kashmir parts on Thursday triggered flash floods in north Kashmir while the lightning strike also claimed a life in South Kashmir. The heavy rainfall was however recorded in Jammu areas and the light moderate rains in Kashmir Valley, bringing down the mercury across Jammu and Kashmir.
A 16-year-old boy died while two others were injured in a lightning strike incident at Damhal Hanjipora area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district today, officials said.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the lightning hit Banward Bala area in DH Pora following which the rescue operation was launched.
“A boy died in the incident, while two others sustained injuries. Police and civil administration rushed to the spot shortly after the incident,” he said.
The deceased has been identified as Mukhtar Ahmad Chouhan, son of Mohammad Hussain Chouhan, from Bangward Bala while the injured was identified as Rafakat Ahmad Chouhan, also the son of Mohammad Hussain Chouhan, from Bangward Bala.
Moreover, Jammu as well as Katra recorded heavy rainfall during the last 24 hours. As per the details available, Jammu has recorded a precipitation of 130.2 mm while the Katra station has recorded a rainfall of 117.2 mm during the last 24 hours.
The fresh wet spell has brought the mercury down across Jammu and Kashmir where below normal temperature was recorded today, thereby ending the heat wave conditions in the Valley as well.
As per the details, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 23.9 degree Celsius, which was 5.5 degree below normal while 8.3 mm rainfall was recorded at the station till 05:30 PM.
Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, has recorded a rainfall of 3.4 mm while the mercury at the station settled at 21.4 degree Celsius.
In Pahalgam, the mercury settled at 20.2 degree Celsius while at Kupwara, Kokernag and Gulmarg, a famous ski-resort, the mercury settled at 25.0 degree Celsius, 21.1 degree Celsius and 17.4 degree Celsius respectively.
However, below normal temperatures were also recorded in Jammu division today with Jammu recording a maximum temperature of 32.4 degree Celsius.
Banihal recorded a maximum temperature of 23.1 degree Celsius while Batote, Katra and Bhaderwah recorded a maximum temperature of 23.7 degree Celsius, 28.0 degree Celsius and 23.6 degree Celsius respectively.
Moreover, it has been learnt that intense showers occurred at many places in Kashmir today while strong winds were also reported from Baramulla and other areas including Khawaja Bagh area where a vehicle suffered damage as well.
Pertinently, the weatherman had forecasted the possibility of intense showers for a brief period & heavy rainfall in Jammu division, which may lead to flash floods, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones over vulnerable places of J&K till August 20.
Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad has said that light to moderate rains and thundershower would occur at many places of J&K till August 20.
Besides, the MeT has also predicted water logging in low lying areas and increase in water level in Tawi & other flood channels of Jammu division during the next five days. KNO
