Bridges damaged, thousands rescued to safer places, admin on high alert
Srinagar: Continuous heavy rainfall over the past two days has led to severe flooding in south Kashmir, affecting numerous villages, damaging infrastructure, and stranding thousands of residents. The flooding has caused significant destruction to standing crops, orchards, and homes, prompting the administration to initiate urgent rescue and relief operations.
Reports said that in Pulwama district, the Romshi Nallah overflowed, partially submerging several villages, including Gundipora and Hassanwani. Residents reported that rainwater infiltrated their homes, damaging food supplies and agricultural land, which poses a serious threat to their livelihoods. Local residents have urged the administration to restore the original course of the Romshi Nallah to prevent future flooding. The situation has been exacerbated by the collapse of the approach road to the Chandrigam bridge in Awantipora, leading to its closure for vehicles. Traffic has been redirected through alternative routes until repairs are completed. In the Kaihgam area, severe waterlogging has trapped residents in their homes, with reports of a collapsed drainage system. In Anantnag district, the Brengi Nallah has inundated low-lying areas, affecting key institutions and forcing the closure of official and educational activities. Farmers express concern over potential large-scale devastation to their crops if the rains persist, with many paddy fields and orchards already submerged. Kulgam district has also experienced similar flooding, particularly in Khudwani-Qaimoh, where residential areas have been affected. Authorities have deployed rescue teams and machinery to vulnerable locations to reinforce embankments and restore connectivity. Additionally, damage to electricity lines has resulted in power outages in several areas, with efforts underway to restore service. District officials have confirmed that thousands of residents have been relocated to safer areas across Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, and parts of Shopian. The water levels in local water bodies continue to rise, heightening fears among the population, while the administration remains on high alert to manage the crisis.
