Srinagar, July 23: As heavy rainfall persists for the third consecutive day, the aftermath leaves a trail of destruction, damaging roads, crops, and parked vehicles, and even claiming the life of an elderly woman in the Kupwara district.
A fresh spell of moderate rain has caused havoc in the plains and higher reaches of Kashmir, with flash floods wreaking havoc in various areas.
Officials reported that the flash floods, triggered by heavy rains, caused destruction in peripheral areas of Kupwara, including BatporaHyhama, Zurhama, and Kalaroos. The deceased woman identified as Jana Begum, lost her life after slipping into the stream at NagsariKalaroos and got washed away by the gushing waters.
According to a police officer at Kupwara, “both police and local residents tried to rescue her, but she couldn’t be rescued in time, and her body was fished out from the stream later.”
The heavy rainfall also caused extensive damages in Hyhama, TrumnardBatpora, KanlibaghBatpora, Manigah, and Khumriyal. The police officer further stated, “the flash flood caused by heavy rainfall caused massive damages in TrumnardBatpora, with roads, culverts, and crops being damaged, and a few parked vehicles got buried under the debris that came crushing downstream due to flash floods.”
Meanwhile officials including SDM LolabAijaz Ahmad Bhat alongside NaibTehsildar Mohammad Saleem visited several areas including Khurhama, Warnow, Shalagund, Chandigam, Krusan, Lalpora and other areas to assess the prevailing situation.
In another incident in Ramban, two persons and three vehicles were trapped under a landslide at a gypsum mine in Haroog area. A police officer mentioned, “both persons were rescued by the timely action of the authorities. The injured have been identified as Ajaz Ahmed, son of Mohammad ShariefKatoch, resident of BhathanGhandriRamban (JCB operator) and Anil Singh (Tipper Driver), son of Suram Chand, resident of Dhar road Udhampur.”
As per the Meteorological Department’s forecast, Director MeTSonam Lotus warned, “From July 24-27, weather will remain partly to generally cloudy during the daytime with the possibility of light to moderate thundershower at many places, especially during late night, early morning.”
He also highlighted the increased risk of flash floods, mudslides, and landslides due to continuous rain since the past two days and advised people to remain cautious and stay away from streams, rivers, and other vulnerable spots.
Deputy Commissioner,KupwaraAyushi Sudan visited Haihama to assess the situation and took cognizance of the reports. In addition, SDM LolabAijaz Ahmad Bhat alongside NaibTehsildar Mohammad Saleem visited several areas, including Khurhama, Warnow, Shalagund, Chandigam, Krusan, Lalpora, and other areas to assess the prevailing situation.
The traffic police spokesperson reported, “Traffic is plying on NH-44, Srinagar-Sonamarg road and Mughal road smoothly. People are advised to follow lane discipline.” On the subject of vehicle movement, the spokesperson added, “On Monday, subject to fair weather and better road conditions SANJY Convoy /LMVs Passenger/Private Cars shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW (NH-44) viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa. On Srinagar-Leh highway, vehicular movement shall be allowed from both sides viz Srinagar towards Kargil and vice-versa.”
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and Deputy Commissioner KupwaraAyushi Sudan urged farmers to postpone spraying in orchards due to the prevailing weather conditions. She emphasized that the weather is expected to continue with intermittent rain until July 27.
