LG reviews rain situation, orders full-scale response as Ladakh braces for more downpours

Major roads affected by landslides; Met Centre issues Orange Warning for flash floods, says weather likely to improve from July 24

LEH: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena on Thursday directed the Union Territory Administration and the UT Disaster Relief Force (UTDRF) to mobilise all available resources after unprecedented rainfall and severe weather conditions disrupted road connectivity and triggered landslides across several parts of Ladakh.

The intervention came as the Meteorological Centre, Leh, issued an Orange Warning for the next 24 hours, cautioning against moderate to heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides at many places in the Union Territory, while indicating that weather conditions are expected to improve from July 24 onwards.

In a post on social media, the Lieutenant Governor said Ladakh is witnessing unprecedented rains and inclement weather, resulting in the closure of several major roads and causing widespread inconvenience to residents and travellers.

“I personally assessed the ground situation today while returning to Leh from Nubra Valley. The impact on our infrastructure and connectivity is significant, and we are treating this with the utmost urgency,” the LG stated. He said he has directed the UT Administration and the UT Disaster Relief Force to work on a war footing to mitigate potential damage, clear blocked routes, prevent disasters and extend immediate rescue and relief to stranded people.

“The agencies are working on a war footing to prevent disasters, clear blocked routes, and extend immediate rescue and relief to anyone stranded. I strongly advise everyone to exercise caution. Your safety is our absolute priority,” Saxena said.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Leh-Ladakh, light rainfall was recorded at many places across all districts of Ladakh on Thursday, with both the southwest monsoon and an active western disturbance continuing to influence the region.

The weather bulletin stated that intermittent light to moderate rainfall is very likely to continue until Friday morning at most places, with heavy showers possible at some locations.

An Orange Warning has been issued, indicating a high probability of one or two spells of moderate to heavy rainfall during the next 24 hours at some places. The Met Centre has warned of a high risk of flash floods, landslides and related hazards across several areas of Ladakh and advised residents to remain alert and prepared.

Forecast maps show an orange-level alert for parts of Ladakh on July 23, while conditions are expected to improve significantly from July 24, with only isolated spells of rain likely on July 24 and 25. Weather from July 26 to 30 is expected to remain partly to generally cloudy at most places.

The Meteorological Centre has issued a series of advisories in view of the prevailing weather conditions. Farmers have been advised to defer harvesting of crops and alfalfa until July 25, while travellers and residents in mountainous areas have been urged to remain cautious as weather conditions can change rapidly.

The advisory also warned of a low to moderate risk of flight disruptions, temporary closure of mountain passes and road blockages, particularly on July 24. Authorities have further cautioned that flash floods and landslides can occur even without specific localised warnings and urged the public to monitor weather updates before undertaking travel.

Weather Scientist Sonam Lotus said the weather is likely to improve from Friday, July 24, in both Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir after recent spells of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides caused widespread disruption.

In a social media update, Lotus said that after creating havoc through flash floods and landslides in the two Union Territories, the weather system is expected to weaken, bringing gradual improvement from Friday onward.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to monitor vulnerable areas, restore connectivity on affected roads and remain on high alert as the region navigates one of the most intense rainfall episodes witnessed in recent years.