Flash floods hit parts of Ladakh, landslide closes Zojila pass

Kargil, Aug 14: Torrential rains triggered flash floods in several parts of Ladakh, damaging infrastructure and disrupting traffic, while a landslide amid heavy rain closed the Zojila pass to vehicles, officials said Thursday.

Torrential rains triggered flash floods at Lamayuru on the Srinagar–Leh Highway, forcing authorities to suspend traffic movement on both sides of the route.

Restoration work was immediately launched by the concerned departments to clear debris and restore connectivity. In a separate incident on Wednesday, a cloudburst hit Charkat Nallah in the Namsuru/Khawos area of Kargil, marking the fifth consecutive year of such calamities at the site. Similarly, as per reports, flash floods hit the Sespol area in Leh, causing damage to the public property and road infrastructure. Locals have urged the administration to start the restoration process on priorities so that normal life is not affected and people don’t face any inconvenience.

Meanwhile, amid heavy rain, a landslide occurred along the Zojila Pass, resulting in its closure for traffic, however the BRO has pressed it machinery to work for road clearance and restoration.

Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, along with Executive Councillor Zakir Hussain, Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar, and Councillor Chiktan Liyaqat Ali Khan, conducted an extensive field visit to several regions severely affected by the recent cloudburst and floods, including Khangral, Samrah Chiktan, Shakar Chiktan, Mundik, Bodhkharboo, and other affected areas nearby. The visit aimed at assessing damages and directing immediate restoration measures for essential services and infrastructure.