New Delhi: Heavy snowfall was witnessed in Joshimath on Friday morning adding to the woes of the residents. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) earlier this week had predicted rain and snowfall in Joshimath, Chamoli and Pithoragarh on January 19, 20, 23 and 24, according to ANI.
According to meteorologists, the re-activation of Western Disturbance in Uttarakhand has caused the weather activity in Joshimath.
"There is a possibility of rain on January 19 and 20, while on January 23 and 24, there is a possibility of snowfall along with rain," said Bikram Singh, director of Meteorological Center Dehradun.
ALSO READ: 88-Year-Old Man Wins Rs 5 Crore Lottery In Punjab After Buying Tickets For 35-40 Years
The government and the district administration will have to be alert in the disaster-affected area of Joshimath, Singh added.
Meanwhile, hundreds of residents in Joshimath have been shifted to relief centres after land subsidence left many people homeless.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that the relief package has been released for nearly 3,000 families affected by the gradual land subsidence in the Himalayan state.
"For the time being, interim assistance of Rs 1.50 lakh per family is being given. An advance amount of Rs 1 lakh has been given to the affected land owners or families due to landslides in the affected area before the permanent settlement displacement policy is prepared," Pushkar Singh Dhami told reporters during his visit to Joshimath last week, as per ANI.
The CM also said that Rs 50,000 have been given by the state disaster authority to each family as a non-adjustable one-time special grant for the transportation of goods and immediate need.
Meanwhile, the MeT department has forecast clouds in Jammu and light rain or snow in the Kashmir valley during next 24 hours.
"Partly cloudy sky in Jammu division and light rain/snow in the Valley is likely during the next 24 hours in J&K," said an official of the MeT department, according to IANS.