Moderate to heavy rainfall expected in Kashmir: State MeT chief

The director of the Meteorological Department in Jammu and Kashmir, Sonam Lotus, has said moderate to heavy rainfall may take place in many hilly areas of the state tonight.

"Not only in Kashmir, but also many hilly areas may receive moderate to heavy rainfall. Tonight is crucial," Lotus told ANI.

"The western disturbance is persisting on Jammu and Kashmir and its intensity may increase by evening, he added.

With the flood threat continuing to loom large over the valley, the Indian Army has started the evacuation process in Srinagar as the city experienced fresh rainfall on Tuesday.

The residents have expressed their worry about the situation, saying they had suffered huge losses last time during the floods and are hoping it doesn't happen again.

"We are very scared, last time we had a very tough time and suffered huge losses. We hope it doesn't happen again," said a local resident.

The GOC of Chinar Corps, Lieutenant General Subrata Saha, had earlier assured that all the arrangements are in place to deal with any emergency situation that may come up in the state.

At least 17 people have been killed so far in the valley due to heavy rains.

Hundreds of people have fled their homes as Kashmir's main rivers began to swell and weather forecasters predicted further downpours in the region that was struck by devastating floods just seven months ago.