Heavy rain in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR - A western disturbance has led to a wet summer in Jammu and Kashmir, with experts predicting more rains in the next 24 hours.

On May 6, Srinagar recorded 19.6 mm of rain. So far, 29.6 mm of rain has been recorded this month.

“A western disturbance still persists over Jammu and Kashmir. There will be more rain in the next 24 hours, a Met official said. The minimum temperature will be 10-12 degrees Celsius.

The weather department has said it may snow in higher reaches like Zojilla Pass, which links the colder Ladakh region with the rest of India.

“We are facing serious water logging problems in our area. It has become difficult to move about,” said Srinagar resident Nazir Ahmad, 34, who lives in Indira Nagar.

Due to continuous rains, the Srinagar-Leh highway has been closed for traffic.

Locals have taken out their woollens to face the chill that accompanies the rains. The most thrilled are the tourists who have come here to escape the scorching heat of the plains.

“It was 44 degrees when I left my home. Today I am looking for woollen clothes to protect myself and my family. It is a wonderful experience,” said Suresh Chopra, 45, who has come here with his wife and kids from Delhi.

Tourists are thronging hill stations such as Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam.

“Our hotel is full because of the tourist rush. And we have more bookings for the coming days,” said Gulam Nabi, a hotel manager in Gulmarg.