Unseasonal rains grip AJK for third day, disrupt life across region

MIRPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Mar, 2026) A persistent spell of unexpected, heavy, and unseasonal rainfall continued to batter Azad Jammu and Kashmir for the third consecutive day on Thursday, while plunging temperatures sharply and disrupting daily life across the state. The rains, which began in the early hours of Tuesday, have affected both the plains and upper areas and have been accompanied by intermittent snowfall over higher elevations.

In Mirpur and surrounding districts, the weather turned suddenly turbulent as thick, dark clouds unleashed intense showers coupled with gusty winds and occasional cloudbursts. The downpour continued intermittently, while snowfall was reported in upper reaches on both sides of the Line of Control, including areas of AJK and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Consequently, the ongoing wet spell has created a distinctly cold and unstable ????????ic pattern across the region.

The adverse weather has significantly disrupted infrastructure, as electricity supply, road connectivity, and telecommunication systems were partially affected in parts of Mirpur Division, including Kotli and Bhimber. Reports of uprooted trees and damaged electricity poles have further aggravated the situation.

Authorities have strongly advised residents to avoid crossing seasonal streams and low-lying areas, and to refrain from unnecessary travel to mountainous and landslide-prone regions such as Neelum Valley and Leepa Valley. Forecasts indicate that the current spell of rain is likely to persist until March 27, raising concerns over further disruptions, however officials remain on alert to manage any emergency situation arising from the prolonged adverse weather.

APP/ahr/378