Flashfloods inundated parts of the Ganderbal district early Sunday, causing significant damage to residential properties, commercial establishments, and agricultural lands. The sudden surge in water levels in local streams is attributed to heavy overnight rainfall and a suspected cloudburst in the higher reaches of the Safapora area.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that flood-like conditions were observed across several localities as continuous precipitation since late Saturday evening led to the overflow of streams. The ingress of water into numerous homes, shops, and fields triggered widespread panic among residents. Among the most severely affected areas were Gulab Sheikh Colony, Kohistan Colony, and Bakshi Mohalla in Safapora, where the impact of the deluge was most pronounced.
Meanwhile, the Jammu region also experienced relentless rain, resulting in landslides at multiple locations. A substantial landslide rendered the Katra-Reasi road impassable, prompting authorities to initiate immediate restoration efforts. The extent of the damage underscores the vulnerability of infrastructure to extreme weather events in the region.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued forecasts for the coming days, predicting scattered spells of light to moderate rain across many areas, with a possibility of heavier showers in select districts on August 3 and 4. From August 5 to 7, the forecast indicates a likelihood of light to moderate rainfall in numerous places, punctuated by brief, intense downpours in a few locations. Looking ahead to August 8 to 10, the MeT department anticipates light rain at scattered sites.
In a separate but related development, Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma conducted an on-site assessment on Sunday of the Urigad Reshi Nallah area in Chatroo, which was impacted by a devastating cloudburst on Saturday. Sharma’s visit was aimed at evaluating the progress of ongoing restoration and rehabilitation works in the wake of the natural disaster. He meticulously inspected the affected site to review the measures being implemented to restore essential services and ensure timely relief for the affected families.
During his interaction with local residents, Deputy Commissioner Sharma actively listened to their grievances and issued immediate directives to the relevant departments for the prompt resolution of the issues raised. Emphasizing the critical need for swift restoration, Sharma instructed the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) in Kishtwar to continue clearing slush and mud from the affected road. He further directed NHIDCL to commence repairs to the damaged road once the area has sufficiently dried. Additionally, he tasked NHIDCL with assessing the feasibility of constructing a suitable cross-drainage structure designed to safely channel flash floodwaters, thereby mitigating the impact of similar incidents in the future.
Furthermore, Sharma directed the Assistant Executive Engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to prepare and submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the implementation of flood protection works in the affected locality. This proactive measure aims to enhance the area’s resilience against future flood events.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
Leave a Reply