Srinagar, Jun 29: Heavy rains lashed several parts of the Valley, including the summer capital here today, even as the authorities advised people residing near streams in south Kashmir to remain vigilant. Many parts of Kashmir received heavy rains since early morning, an official of the Meteorological (MeT) department said.

He said south Kashmir's Kokernag, in Anantnag district, received the highest rainfall of 63.4 mm till 8:30 am this morning, while the neighbouring Qazigund received 58.6 mm of rainfall Srinagar – the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir – recorded 12.6 mm of rainfall till 8:30 am but the intensity of rains increased after that, the official said. He said Pahalgam – one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra – which commenced yesterday – received 27.8 mm of rains.

The rainfall has led to an increase in the water level in streams and rivers across the Valley, especially in south Kashmir. The water level has been sharply increasing since morning as there has been an increase of around one foot with each hour since 9 am.

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has asked people residing near streams in south Kashmir to remain vigilant. “In view of precipitation, forecast and rise in water levels the habitations residing along tributaries (nallahs) of south Kashmir, especially Vishow Nallah, Lidder Nallah, are advised to remain vigilant during the day and also at night today to avoid any sudden flood damages,” the department said.