Heavy rain and landslides have wreaked havoc in several hilly districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Doda, Reasi, Kishtwar, Ramban, and Baramulla, leading to a tragic loss of life and widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
As reported, five people have lost their lives, and several others have been injured as a result of landslides and flash floods. The relentless downpour has caused significant damage to numerous homes, affecting hundreds of residents across the region.
The situation has been particularly dire along the Srinagar-Jammu national highway, which has remained closed for the past three days due to multiple landslides obstructing the road. This closure has left hundreds of vehicles stranded, cutting off a vital lifeline that connects the Valley with the rest of the country.
In Kupwara, where the situation has started to improve marginally, the aftermath of the floods is still evident. Visuals from the affected areas show sections of roads washed away, houses submerged in knee-deep water, and significant structural damage to properties near riversides.
Officials have issued danger warnings for areas like Pohru Nallah in Kupwara, emphasizing the ongoing risks posed by the aftermath of the floods. However, timely evacuation efforts by the Jammu and Kashmir administration have been credited with saving lives in the worst-hit areas.
The floods have also taken a toll on critical infrastructure, with several bridges including Shumriyal Bridge, Khumryal Bridge, Shatmuqam Bridge, and Sohipora-Hayhama Bridge suffering damage. Additionally, key buildings such as two rural development department buildings at Kupwara and the assistant director Handicrafts office have been impacted.
Amidst the devastation, locals have voiced urgent needs for essentials like food and clothing, highlighting the immediate humanitarian challenges faced by flood-affected communities. Authorities have advised against travel on the Srinagar-Jammu highway until restoration work is completed, underscoring the ongoing disruption caused by the natural calamity.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the administration in Kashmir has taken precautionary measures, including the closure of schools, colleges, and the postponement of university examinations due to the persistent heavy rainfall over the past three days.
Sources By Agencies
