Srinagar, Aug 3 : Two persons lost their lives while widespread damage was reported across Jammu and Kashmir on Monday after multiple cloudbursts and intense rainfall triggered flash floods, damaged roads, bridges, houses and orchards, prompting rescue operations in several districts and disrupting normal life.
Officials said a woman died after a cloudburst struck the Himli area of Lolab in Kupwara district, causing a sudden flash flood. Her body was recovered after a search operation. In a separate incident, a young man drowned while bathing in a water body in Singhpora area of Baramulla. Police have taken up proceedings in both cases.
Shopian district witnessed the worst impact of the weather. Cloudbursts in the upper reaches led to flash floods in Zawoora, Badrhama and Kijarsinda villages, where floodwaters entered residential localities and submerged several houses. Rescue teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), assisted by local authorities, evacuated nearly 80 people, including schoolchildren and staff members, to safer locations.
Officials said assessment teams have been deployed to evaluate losses to public property, private houses and agricultural land.
Heavy rainfall also affected the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, where a cloudburst in Batkoot triggered flash floods. A mud house suffered extensive damage, while the rear retaining wall of the Nunwan base camp collapsed, allowing rainwater to enter the camp and damage several tents. No injuries were reported.
The weather also disrupted road connectivity. The Aishmuqam-Pahalgam road was blocked near Langnai Bridge due to flooding, while another bridge in Batkoot sustained damage after being hit by strong water currents.
In Bandipora district, another cloudburst struck the Arin-Dardpora area, damaging roads at several locations and affecting vehicular movement. Strong winds in Ganderbal district blew away the roof of a residential house and damaged an electricity pole, though no casualties were reported.
In Jammu division, traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained suspended after continuous rainfall made a stretch near Dawal Bridge in Udhampur unsafe for vehicular movement. Restoration work was taken up by road maintenance agencies and traffic authorities.
Flash floods also caused damage in Badgam and Hardass villages of Kargil district in Ladakh, where houses, village infrastructure and agricultural land were affected.
The Meteorological Department has forecast more spells of rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir during the coming days, warning of the possibility of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall.(KNS).
