Ganderbal, Aug 04: A severe cloudburst in the Kaw Chairman area of Kangan in Ganderbal district caused extensive damage to residential houses, agricultural fields, and vehicles. The cloudburst was triggered by heavy rainfall that occurred during the Saturday night. The rainfall led to the blockage of the Power Canal passing through the upper part of the town, exacerbating the situation and prompting urgent evacuation calls for Cherwan, Padabal, and surrounding areas.
The cloudburst has caused severe damage to agricultural sector hitting the standing crops across the area. The rains, which lashed Sub-Division Kangan late in the night, led to the cloudburst and subsequent flooding in the area. Officials revealed that the property worth crores has been damaged in the incident, leaving the community in panic.
The Kawcherwan residents also suffered massive loss including damage of road, Water pipes, and electricity and paddy fields. Soon after the incident, SDPO Kangan, SHO Kangan, SDM Kangan, ADC Ganderbal, and other civil and police officers, along with traffic police, reached the site to assess the ground situation.
They brought tippers, dumpers, and a JCB loader from Mega and APCO companies to clear the mudslide from the Srinagar-Leh highway, which was temporarily blocked. The highway was later reopened.
The administration also assessed the situation and assured the affected residents that every possible assistance would be provided to the families. They stated that compensation and relocation support would be provided to the affected families.
Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and provide relief to the affected residents. The Wussan Battalion of the Indian Army and CRPF 118 Bn Gund have launched extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations to aid the affected communities. The army has also assisted in clearing the NH 1, which had multiple blockages due to the cloudburst, with help from the JKP, CRPF, and Civil administration. Drone search operations and rescue missions are underway in several parts of the affected area.
Speaking to the media, SDM Kangan, Bilal Mukhtar, expressed gratitude to locals for initiating rescue operations before official assistance could arrive, ensuring no lives were lost. He mentioned that some residents have been temporarily relocated to nearby houses, with preparations to move them to safer areas if necessary. Mukhtar urged travelers and those participating in the Amarnath Yatra to stay informed and await updates from the district administration.
ADC Ganderbal, Gulzar Ahmad, also addressed the media on-site, highlighting the overnight cloudburst and the accumulation of debris. He confirmed there have been no casualties and emphasized the immediate focus on clearing roads and rescuing residents from homes affected by the debris.
The Srinagar-Leh highway, blocked due to a massive mudslide, was later restored following strenuous efforts by the Civil Administration. Sophisticated machinery and manpower were deployed to clear the landslide, allowing traffic to resume.
Meanwhile, locals from the Shah Mohallah Kullan area of Gund, still traumatized by a massive flash flood in 2015, expressed their ongoing fear and concern for safety. They highlighted the need for a bridge and culvert, noting that previous requests to the administration had not been acted upon. The inadequate culvert space contributed to the flood-like situation and subsequent property damage.
Meanwhile, Srinagar Parliamentary MP Aga Ruhullah, in a post on “X,” urged the district administration to provide immediate help and relief to those affected. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, also expressed his concern, calling for swift action to restore connectivity and provide necessary relief and compensation to the affected residents.
