Unseasonal Rain and Hailstorm Claim Five Lives, Damage Crops Across Several States

The sudden spell of unseasonal rain and hailstorms has wreaked havoc across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other northern states, severely impacting standing crops. Meanwhile, in Jammu & Kashmir, heavy rains have caused flooding and landslides, leading to the tragic deaths of five people.

The unexpected cold wave has returned, making it feel like January all over again in many parts of North India. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued alerts for more rain and snowfall in several states.

⚠️ Heavy Rainfall and Landslides in Jammu & Kashmir: 5 Lives Lost

The continuous rainfall in Jammu & Kashmir has resulted in fatal incidents, blocked highways, and flooding in multiple areas.

🚨 Key Incidents Reported:

• Udhampur district: A 50-year-old woman, Shano Devi, and her 25-year-old son, Raghu, lost their lives after a large boulder fell on them.
• Kathua district (Rajbagh area): 11 laborers trapped in the Ujh River were successfully rescued after sudden flooding.
• A truck driver was saved from Nikki Tawi River by SDRF and police forces.

❄️ Heavy Snowfall Blocks Roads & Disrupts Transport

Severe snowfall has hit several parts of Jammu & Kashmir, leading to road closures and travel disruptions.

❄️ Areas Affected by Snowfall & Blockages:

• Ramban & Qazigund: Road transport halted.
• Nashri-Banihal Route: Evening traffic movement stopped due to snowfall.
• Batote-Doda Road: Landslides caused the highway to be closed.
• Mughal Road: Closed due to excessive snow accumulation.
• Vaishno Devi Helicopter Service Suspended: Due to poor weather conditions in Katra.

🚑 Fatal Incidents Due to Weather Conditions:

• In Surankote (Poonch), a CRPF vehicle hit a large boulder, killing the driver and injuring two soldiers.
• A truck driver died after falling into a deep gorge due to slippery road conditions.
• A 12-year-old boy was swept away by floods in Reasi.

🌧️ Rain & Hailstorm in Punjab, Delhi NCR, and Other States

The National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas received heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday, while Punjab experienced a major hailstorm.

📍 Weather Updates from Key States:

• Punjab: Hailstorms were reported across several districts, with rainfall recording up to 34mm in Gurdaspur.
• Delhi NCR: Rainfall increased cold conditions, making the temperature drop further.
• Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand: Continuous snowfall and rain, making roads treacherous.

🚨 IMD Weather Forecast:

• More rain and snowfall expected in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
• Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan could experience light rainfall.
• Wind speeds of 30-40 km/h expected across Bihar, Punjab, Western UP, and Rajasthan.
• Hailstorms predicted in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP.

🌩️ More Rain Expected in Northeast & South India

The weather disturbance is also affecting the Northeast and Southern regions of India.

🌧️ Heavy Rain Forecasted in:

• Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh
• Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal (March 2) – Thunderstorms expected

🚨 Key Takeaways & Impact of Unseasonal Rain

✔ Farmers across North India are suffering heavy crop losses, especially mustard, wheat, and gram crops.
✔ Heavy rain and hailstorms have led to fatalities, transport disruptions, and economic setbacks.
✔ IMD has issued alerts for more rainfall, snowfall, and storms in the coming days.

💡 What’s Next?

As unpredictable weather patterns continue, authorities have urged people to take precautions, especially in flood-prone and hilly areas. Farmers are advised to protect their crops, and travelers should check weather updates before planning trips.