• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. Cloudburst-like event caused flash floods in Pahalgam, South Kashmir.
  2. Six hotels and many homes damaged; no casualties reported.
  3. Authorities on high alert, advising caution near river banks.

A spell of heavy rain, suspected to be a localised cloudburst, triggered flash floods in Pahalgam and the upper reaches of Anantnag district in South Kashmir on Saturday evening, disrupting normal life and damaging property. Authorities, however, said no casualties have been reported so far.

The forests of Awoora and Dehwathu also received heavy rainfall, causing a flash flood in Awoora stream, which joins Lidder stream near Batkot, the officials said. Due to the flood, the nearby areas, including hotels, residential houses and roads, were also submerged.

At least six hotel buildings were damaged during the flood, with hotels evacuating guests to safer ground as a preventative measure. Many residential properties were also found to have water ingress, with several wall collapses and property damage reported.

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Rainfall Data

The Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, informed that Pahalgam recorded the highest rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir in the last 24 hours, with 42.6 mm.

Other rainfall figures include:

* Sonamarg: 21 mm

* Gulmarg: 11.8 mm

* Baramulla: 5.5 mm

Although water levels have increased, the district administration has said the level is still below the warning mark.

ALSO READ: J-K Weather: Flash Floods Hit Poonch; 25 Stranded Residents Saved In Massive Rescue Operation

All involved departments are put on high alert, and teams of rescue and surveillance have been sent to susceptible zones. Officials are on the spot evaluating the damage while keeping a close watch on the scene.

Residents and tourists have been asked to refrain from venturing near the river and stream banks, especially near the Arpat Nallah vicinity and follow the advisory to prevent any untoward incident during the ongoing weather pattern.

Heavy downpours in the past few days during an active spell of monsoon in Jammu and Kashmir have led to flash floods and landslides in many areas, causing destruction to roads, residential and public property, and disruption in day-to-day activities.


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