Cloudburst wreaks havoc in Boniyar, NH-44 remains closed

Srinagar, Jul 23: Heavy rainfall continued to lash several parts of Jammu and Kashmir for the fifth consecutive day on Thursday, triggering cloudbursts and flash floods across the region, while as strategic Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for the vehicular traffic due to inclement weather conditions.
According to reports, the worst-hit area was Boniyar in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district, where a cloudburst struck the upper reaches of Mayan village this afternoon, sending torrents of water, mud and boulders downstream.
Officials said flash floods washed away four culverts, snapped electricity and drinking water supply, and disrupted road connectivity in the area.
The cloudburst also damaged the Neela Nag water source and raw water transmission pipelines, leaving around a dozen villages—including Mayan, Kathal, Muqam Peeran, Braripora, Bijhama, Niloosa, Noorkhah, Gingle, Lachipora A and B, and Chandanwari—without drinking water.
Authorities advised residents to use water sparingly, boil drinking water before consumption and cooperate with restoration teams.
Tehsildar Boniyar Najbullah Shah said restoration work has been launched on a war footing and electricity and water supply were expected to be restored by Friday, subject to improvement in weather conditions.
Rescue teams comprising police and civil administration also evacuated a woman who was trapped inside her house after floodwaters entered the locality following the cloudburst.
Officials said the situation in the area was being monitored closely amid apprehensions of further rainfall.
Elsewhere in the Union Territory, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police carried out multiple rescue operations as rivers and streams swelled following incessant rain.
In Jammu district, SDRF and police rescued two men who were trapped in the swollen River Tawi at Phallian Mandal. Both were shifted to safety and were stated to be stable.
In south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, an SDRF team evacuated a tribal family stranded in the River Lidder near Aang Matipora after the water level rose suddenly.
In Doda district, SDRF personnel were deployed along the banks of the Chenab River in Pul Doda as water levels increased. Authorities issued an advisory asking people to stay away from rivers and other vulnerable locations.
In Rajouri district, SDRF personnel facilitated the safe crossing of Power Development Department staff across a swollen river to restore electricity supply in affected areas.
An SDRF team also removed a fallen tree near Manda on the Jammu National Highway, restoring traffic movement on the stretch.
Officials said another SDRF team had been stationed in Akhnoor’s Pragwal area to monitor the rising Chenab River, spread public awareness and respond swiftly to any flood-like situation.
The water level in the Chenab at Akhnoor crossed the flood alert mark once again during the evening, touching 33 feet against the alert level of 32 feet. The danger level has been fixed at 35 feet, officials said.
In Kathua district, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma visited flood-affected areas along with officials from the Flood Control Department and reviewed the situation. He directed officers to take all necessary measures to safeguard lives and property.
In Kishtwar district, heavy rainfall led to the collapse of a mud house in Chatroo Famber area. While all family members escaped unhurt, 25 sheep were killed in the incident, officials said.
Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remained closed due to fresh landslides and shooting stones at multiple locations in Ramban district.
Traffic authorities said only stranded and local vehicles were allowed to move after limited clearance operations, while road restoration work was continuing.
Commuters have been advised to avoid travelling on the highway until it is declared safe, as intermittent rainfall continues and there is a possibility of fresh landslides and shooting stones.
The Meteorological Department has forecast another spell of rain and thundershowers at many places on Friday, followed by scattered showers between July 25 and 27. A fresh wet spell is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from July 28 onwards. (KNO)