Cloudburst in J&K’s Kupwara triggers flash floods

A cloudburst took place in the higher reaches of Lolab in Kupwara in North Kashmir in the Warnow forest area, triggering flash floods and significant water flow in the region. No loss of life or damage to property has been reported so far. This comes on the heels of another coudburst in Kathua. It is the fourth such major event in the mountainous regions of north India. Earlier this month, cloudbursts in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi and another in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district triggered flash floods and landslides, killing hundreds after they were trapped under the rubble.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall in the region for at least three more days, as authorities have increased surveillance in the areas at risk amid several cloudburst incidents.

The authorities have halted all activity around the Dal Lake area and have cautioned residents living close to the rivers and streams.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations in the Kishtwar district have entered a fifth day despite the continued heavy rainfall and severe weather conditions in the region. Over 64 people were killed, and hundreds went missing in Chisoti hamlet following flash floods triggered by a cloudburst. More than 100 people were injured, and around 50 are still missing, according to the revised list by the authorities.

Today is the fifth day of the operation, and combined efforts are underway to recover the mortal remains of the missing persons. The weather is challenging in view of the rain. We also have a warning (of heavy rains) for the day, but still we are trying our best,” a CISF officer said.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), CISF, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), civil administration, and local volunteers are engaged in the rescue efforts.