A fresh spell of light snowfall in several higher reaches and widespread rain in the plains of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) has brought back cold conditions across the territory.According to Kashmir Media Service, rainfall has caused waterlogging in low-lying areas, while slippery roads have triggered multiple traffic accidents. In view of the adverse weather, authorities ordered closure of schools today in Poonch and Rajouri districts of the Jammu region to ensure the safety of students and staff.

The Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent rain across the occupied territory today, with snowfall expected in higher altitudes. Thunderstorms, hailstorms, and gutsy winds with speeds ranging from 40 to 50 km/h are also likely.Weather conditions are expected to improve partially on April 5 and 6, followed by another spell of rain and snowfall between April 7 and 9.

Meanwhile, one person was killed and nine others, including five children, were injured in road accidents reported yesterday. In a separate incident this morning, four non-locals were injured in a road accident at Sangam crossing on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in south Kashmir’s Islamabad district. Officials said the injured, hailing from the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, were shifted to Sub-District Hospital Bijbehara for treatment.

In view of the prevailing conditions, the MeT Office has advised farmers to suspend agricultural operations until the weather stabilises. Authorities also warned tourists, shikara operators and others operating in and around water bodies, including Dal Lake and River Jhelum, to exercise caution and avoid venturing out without assessing safety conditions.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)