Normal Life Disrupted in J&K After Rains Trigger Landslide, Flash Floods

Srinagar: Normal life in Jammu and Kashmir was disrupted after days of incessant rain in the region caused flash floods and landslides in several parts. In view of the situation, authorities ordered the closure of all schools in as many as six districts on Wednesday. 

Heavy rainfall lashed the hills and plains of Jammu and Kashmir, which led to a sudden increase in the water levels of rivers, including the Jhelum, after which the administration sounded a “flood alarm”. Fresh snowfall was also recorded in various upper reaches of the region, including in Gurez, Gulmarg and near Baltal Base Camp, which falls en route to the Amarnath cave. 

Due to heavy rains, the district administration suspended work in all primary, middle and high schools in Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora and Ramban districts.

Photo by Kamran Yousuf.

“In view of very heavy rains in Anantnag district, class work in all primary, ordered middle and High schools of district shall remain suspended today,” Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, Dr Piyush Singla said.

The 300-km long Jammu-Srinagar highway remained closed for the second consecutive day due to landslides triggered by heavy rains that have left hundreds of vehicles stranded on the vital road. Several arterial roads in Kashmir valley were also cut-off after water breached and flooded various localities in Kulgam, Pulwama and Budgam areas. 

In north Kashmir, the main Uri road was closed after landslides were reported in the area. The bridge connecting several areas was damaged by flash floods in Gund-Qaiser village of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

In Achan village of Pulwama, a bridge was reportedly washed off by flash floods causing inconvenience to commuters, following which the district administration closed Pinglena and the main Kakapora road. Locals said some villages have completely been cut off due to the water logging.

Crossing the flood alarm mark in the south, the water level in Jhelum near South Kashmir’s Sangam in the afternoon was recorded at over 20 feet. At Srinagar’s Ram Munshi Bagh, the water level was recorded at close to 15 feet, which is a few notches below the alarm level of 16 feet and 4.5-feet below the flood level of 18 feet. 

The authorities have issued advisories given the rising water level. They directed people, especially the tourists in the valley, to avoid venturing closer to water bodies in order to avoid any untoward incidents. A flood and irrigation official told NewsClick that there is no major flood prediction for now. However, many flash floods have occurred and are likely to continue, he added. 

In Jammu division, heavy rains in Poonch and Kishtwar districts have caused disruption in traffic movement along the national highway and hilly roads due to land landslides and shooting stones. The district administrations across the region have established help desks advising them to stay indoors.

Photo by Kamran Yousuf.

The fresh rains have plunged the mercury to the lowest in June in years at a time when the highest temperature was also recorded in the valley. The coldest day in June comes after Kashmir reported the hottest day in February earlier this year.