Raja Syed Rather
Srinagar, Jul 22: Flash floods were reported at multiple places in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday after possible cloudbursts in the upper reaches amid the intermittent rainfall while as the weatherman here has predicted erratic weather conditions till July 28.
Reports said minor damage was caused by flash floods in Lolab areas this afternoon.
Crops and other agricultural damage was reported today after the flash floods hit Lolab villages this afternoon while several streams in Chirala Tehsil of Doda and other areas also witnessed flash floods.
Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng said that the flash floods have possibly triggered by cloudburst in upper areas.
Damage has been reported during the flash floods in the Doda today, reports said, adding that Thalela-Charela road has also suffered damage in the incident.
At least 97 families have been shifted to safer locations after water from Chenab river inundated Garkhal village in Akhnoor sub-division of Jammu district.
An official said that a massive rescue operation was launched in the village after the Chenab river breached the protection wall today.
He said that a few days ago, 43 families were shifted, however, due to heavy rainfall since morning the situation deteriorated further as Chenab river breached protection wall and inundated the village.
Sub Divisional Police Officer Akhnoor, Mohan Lal Sharma said 97 families have been shifted to safer places and temporary shelters have also been established for them.
He said that situation may escalate further in the village if more water flows in from Chenab river due to heavy rainfall.
Moreover, the flash floods due to cloudburst created panic among the villagers in Damhal Hanjipora area in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
An official said that there has been a sudden down flow of water in many areas of Damhal Hanjipora due to cloudburst in upper reaches while no loss of human life has been reported so far.
“Water gushed into residential houses, apple orchards, caused damage to the boundary walls of a Higher Secondary and Middle School in Khurbatpora while inundating the roads as well,” he said.
He said the affected areas include Tangmarg, Korel, Chogalpora, Kurbatpora, Chachmulla and Jaibal area of Damhal Hanjipora.
“Police under supervision of SDPO, Damhal Hanjipora and officials of district administration Kulgam immediately rushed to the spot and evacuated affected families to a safer place,” official said, adding that Deputy Commissioner of the district was in constant touch with the ground staff.
Meanwhile, no fatality or injuries to anyone have been reported from the area till the report was filed.
Besides, the intermittent rainfall continued across Jammu & Kashmir today, bringing down the mercury in the Union Territory.
Director Meteorological department (MeT), Sonum Lotus said that there is a possibility of intermittent light to moderate rain at scattered places of J&K on July 23.
He said that on July 24-25, the weather would remain partly to generally cloudy while a brief spell of rain may occur at some places.
Lotus further said that no large change is expected from July 26-July 28.
