JAMMU: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Thursday issued a warning of a very high risk of forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir over the next seven days.

The prolonged dry spell in the region has led to a sharp rise in forest fire incidents, particularly in the Jammu region.

"Very High Forest Fire Risk is likely to occur over forest areas in J&K in the next seven days. In case of emergency, dial 112," the NDMA said.

The NDMA warning is valid till 11 am up to January 30.

Jammu and Kashmir, a forest-rich region, boasts 20,230 square kilometers of forest, covering about 10% of its geographical area. Excluding Ladakh, which lacks significant natural forests, the proportion of forest cover increases to 47%.

The forests in the Kashmir region predominantly fall in the dry temperate class, with species such as Deodar, Kail, and Fir thriving at varying altitudes. These evergreen forests, with their lush ground cover, are typically less vulnerable to fires. However, the risk escalates during prolonged dry periods.

Officials said that the region has experienced an 81% rainfall deficit from January 1 to 22, receiving just 11.4 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 60.5 mm for the period. The alarming rainfall deficit underscores the heightened vulnerability of the forests to fires during the ongoing dry spell.