Weather conditions improve in Kashmir;rains stop after 3 days

Srinagar, Sep 3 (UNI) Weather conditions in Kashmir improved this evening as the sun emerged after three days of incessant rainfall which had created ''alarming and dangerous'' flood situation in the Valley.

The emergence of sun after heavy overcast conditions and uninterrupted rainfall provided much-needed relief to the people.

However, water continued to rise in river Jhelum and other streams and nullahs.

Met office here predicted heavy rains across the state during the next 24 hours. The rainfall recorded this time was the highest in the month of September during the past 26 years. Earlier, heavy rains of this magnitude were recorded in 1980, the Met office added.

Met department said 35.4 mm rainfall was recorded in the summer capital till 0830 hrs this morning, 137 in Jammu, 64.6 mm in Qazigund, 60.2 mm in Pahalgam, 17.8 mm in Kupwara, 86.2 mm in Banihal, 78.4 mm in Batote and 102.6 mm in Katra.

One feet of snowfall was recorded in Kargil district's Drass area, the second coldest place on Earth after Siberia. The upper reaches of Kashmir have witnessed heavy snow and rainfall since yesterday.

The non-stop rains in the entire Valley and snow at upper reaches have resulted in a considerable dip in temperatures, forcing the people to wear woolens and jackets.

Several roads, streets, lanes and by-lanes have been inundated with rain water, resulting in frequent traffic snarls.

UNI AG SAM GC2010