Met Centre has warned risk of sudden rise in water levels, flash floods and localized landslides across Ladakh due to saturated ground conditions and intermittent heavy showers.
LEH: An intense spell of rain triggered a flash flood in Ladakh’s Nyoma subdivision on Thursday, prompting the Meteorological Centre, Leh, to issue a renewed warning of continued unstable weather across the Union Territory until July 3.
According to Sonam Lotus, Director of the Meteorological Centre, Leh, an intense shower over the Rong area of Nyoma district caused a flash flood that affected the Hemya–Kyungyam road and the Tukla village area. Besides the localized cloudburst-like rainfall in Nyoma, intermittent light rain was also reported from several parts of Leh, Changthang and Nubra, marking another day of active monsoon influence over the otherwise arid Himalayan region.
The latest weather bulletin issued by the Meteorological Centre states that the southwest monsoon remains active over Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh, resulting in widespread cloud cover and rainfall activity. Satellite imagery indicates extensive cloud development over Ladakh, particularly across Leh and Nyoma districts, with Changthang witnessing the most significant rainfall.
The weather office has warned that the risk of sudden rise in water levels, flash floods and localized landslides has increased significantly across Ladakh due to saturated ground conditions and intermittent heavy showers. Authorities have advised people living near streams, rivers and mountain slopes to remain alert as weather conditions in high-altitude regions can change rapidly.
For Friday (July 3), the Meteorological Centre has forecast generally cloudy skies with the possibility of rain and thunderstorms at scattered places across Ladakh. It has also warned that while rainfall may remain scattered, brief but intense showers could occur, particularly over vulnerable mountainous regions, increasing the possibility of flash floods and mudslides.
Weather conditions are expected to improve gradually from July 4 to July 6, with forecasts indicating fair to partly cloudy skies and comparatively warmer conditions. However, another spell of unsettled weather may return between July 7 and July 10, when isolated pockets could witness intense heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorms.
The advisory issued by the Meteorological Centre urges commuters and tourists to exercise extreme caution. Travellers have been advised to avoid night travel over mountain passes, begin journeys early in the morning, and reach destinations before afternoon, when sudden weather changes are more likely. The department also cautioned that temporary road blockages and closures due to landslides or flash floods cannot be ruled out, although there is currently no major threat to flight operations.
Tourists arriving in Ladakh have also been advised to take at least 24 hours of proper rest for acclimatization before undertaking strenuous activities, while carrying essential supplies such as food, drinking water and first-aid kits during road travel. Motorcyclists have been urged to avoid speeding or rushing through vulnerable stretches, particularly during periods of rainfall.
