Shopian Aug 3: Intense rainfall triggered flash floods in south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Monday afternoon, inundating residential areas, damaging household belongings and causing panic among residents.
The flash floods hit Badrehama village, located about 3 km from the district headquarters, after heavy rain lashed the area.
Residents said torrents of muddy water swept through the village, submerging roads and entering several houses, forcing families to rush outdoors to protect themselves and salvage their belongings.
“We suddenly saw water gushing into the village. Within minutes, it entered several houses, leaving people with little time to react,” a group of residents said.
Locals said that household goods, including furniture and other valuables, were damaged as floodwaters flowed through residential lanes.
The residents said the flooding appeared to have been caused by an intense spell of rain and suspected that a cloudburst in the upper reaches may have triggered the sudden surge of water.
“We think the flash floods were triggered by a cloudburst,” they said.
However, officials said the exact cause of the flooding would be determined after an assessment.
MLA Shopian Shabir Ahmad Kullay told Greater Kashmir that the floodwater caused damage to some orchards in Baderehama.
He said that the heavy rains and cloud bursts washed away bridges in Yadora and Zawoora.
“I undertook an extensive tour of several flood affected areas including Heerpora, Baderhama, and Zawoora. Flash floods spurred by cloudbursts have caused damage in some area,” Kullay said.
He said that he is personally monitoring the situation and trying to provide every possible help to the people.
The sudden flooding sparked panic in the village as residents came out of their homes and attempted to divert the flow of water away from residential structures using makeshift barriers and drainage channels.
The incident comes amid intermittent heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with vulnerable areas remaining prone to flash floods and landslides during the monsoon season.
Authorities have advised people living near streams, rivulets, and low-lying areas to remain vigilant during periods of intense rainfall and to report any emergency to the local administration.
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