Heavy rains cause flash floods in north Kashmir's Bandipora; crops damaged

Bandipora, 15 Aug: Heavy rains in north Kashmir's Bandipora on Thursday triggered flash floods, with water inundating several areas, primarily in the upper reaches of the district.

Reports reaching Greater Kashmir suggested that heavy rains due to cloudbursts created a significant flow of water at Arin Dardpora's Kundri Nallah.

"The stream was dangerously overflowing, however, there has been no loss of life or property as yet," said Bahar Jan, a local.

Flash floods were also reported from Pazalpora, Sheikhpal, Barzulla, Panzigam, and other habitations.

Although no loss of life has been reported, damage to property is being estimated, with locals suggesting that crop loss is "going to be massive," as the water has begun flowing into paddy fields.

"The worst has happened; the water is overflowing the banks and has entered the villages. More villages downhill, like Barzulla and Panzigam, are in danger," Yasir Rafique from Barzulla village said, as the Rish Kul rivulet was breached in the morning.

Yasir said the flash floods have created extensive damage to crop while also wreaking havoc in the village as road, and water pipes have been washed away besides damaging vehicles parked on the roadside. He said no team from administration had reached to the village so far.

He said the administration should deploy disaster management teams to prevent the situation from worsening, as the embankment is on the verge of collapse, "endangering all the habitation."

At various places, water was seen entering villages and inundating roads and lawns.

Meanwhile, the flash floods also triggered a landslide near Chandaji near Gurez-Bandipora road, prompting the administration to close the road as a precautionary measure.

ADC Bandipora confirmed to Greater Kashmir that there was a "flood-like situation" in some areas following the heavy rains in the morning.

He said the situation is being monitored, and teams are assessing the damage.