Kashmir Flash Floods: Massive Rain Havoc in Budgam, Rescue Operations Underway

Heavy rainfall triggered massive flash floods in Central Kashmir's Budgam district, inundating markets and residential areas in Beerwah and Khag, while rescue teams rushed to evacuate affected residents. The relentless downpour also caused widespread flooding and infrastructure damage in Kathua and Rajouri districts, disrupting road connectivity and raising concerns over further rainfall.

Rescue operations underway as Budgam reels under flash floods

Rescue operations were launched in Central Kashmir's Budgam district after torrential rains triggered massive flash floods in the Beerwah and Khag areas, sweeping away one man and causing extensive damage to markets and residential neighbourhoods.

The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other security personnel were deployed to carry out rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.

A civil defence warden said rescue teams had been on alert since a Red Alert was issued for Kashmir.

"We were alerted about the 'Red Alert' issued for Kashmir and directed to report for duty. Our entire Civil Defence contingent, including rescue, medical, and transport teams, has been on duty since yesterday," the warden told ANI.

Describing the rapidly deteriorating situation, the warden said the Sukhnag Nallah witnessed a sharp rise in water levels during the day.

"Today, we learned that the water level in the Sukhnag Nallah was rising rapidly. Until 2:00 PM, the water level fluctuated, but after that it surged significantly. Consequently, the shopkeepers were unable to retrieve their merchandise," he added.

Despite efforts to save goods from flooded shops, a building collapse severely hampered the rescue operation.

"We made a concerted effort to salvage the goods, but the sudden collapse of the building prevented us from recovering much of the stock. The financial loss involved here runs into crores," he added.

Residents in Kathua fear repeat devastation

The impact of heavy rainfall extended to Kathua district, where residents reported severe waterlogging and flooding, saying recurring floods had damaged livelihoods and placed standing crops at risk.

Sections of the Old Samba-Kathua Road at Sahar Khad were washed away following flash floods, forcing authorities to suspend traffic and cutting off several nearby villages.

Resident Md Ali described the worsening humanitarian situation.

"The situation is dire; the conditions have devastated us. We are in great distress and have no other recourse. We have invested everything here, and our resources are exhausted. Our people are starving, and we have to provide them with food and water," he said.

Highlighting the recurring nature of the problem, he added: "Just look at the water levels here--there is so much water. Water flooded the area last time too, but the government did nothing to resolve the issue; they just dumped some soil, which washed away."

Ali also warned of the threat to agricultural land.

"Now, there is a danger looming below where the crops are; everything down there could be destroyed."

Another resident blamed the failure to repair an existing water management structure for the repeated flooding.

"A structure was built for water management, but it failed and wasn't repaired. A proper embankment or barrier needs to be constructed here. It was like this last year too; the water washed everything away. Many villages are affected; everyone is in distress," the resident said.

Rain triggers alerts in Rajouri

Heavy rainfall also lashed Rajouri district from early Tuesday morning, prompting the district administration and Rajouri Police to issue advisories urging residents to remain vigilant.

Authorities warned of a possible rise in river water levels and the risk of flash floods, landslides and waterlogging as the spell of intense rainfall continues across Jammu and Kashmir.

(With inputs from ANI)