Even as some higher reaches of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir received fresh snowfall and several areas witnessed rainfall, the seasonal rainfall deficit in Kashmir valley stood at 34.27 per cent below normal, while Jammu region  recorded a deficit of 19.91 per cent. According to Kashmir Media Service, residents of Jammu plains continued to endure an intense heatwave along with unscheduled power  cuts despite repeated appeals to the authorities for uninterrupted electricity supply. 

The Gurez sector in Bandipora district was enveloped in snow late Wednesday evening, while Zojila Pass on the Srinagar-Leh highway  and the Sonamarg area also witnessed snowfall. The plains of the Valley, including Srinagar, received intermittent rain. Heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms caused extensive damage in Bandipora district, where a road was badly damaged and several houses were inundated with water and muck.

Waterlogging was reported from multiple areas.  The Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, said there was a possibility of thunder, lightning, hailstorms and gusty winds with speeds of 40-50 kmph at isolated places in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions during May 21 and 22. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)