Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir: A cloudburst-like incident triggered flash floods in the upper reaches of Pahalgam in Anantnag district on Saturday evening, disrupting normal life and damaging property. Authorities confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far, while rescue and monitoring operations remain underway in the affected areas.
According to officials, intense rainfall lashed the forest areas of Awoora and Dehwathu, leading to a sudden surge in the Awoora stream, which later joins the Lidder stream near Batkote. The flash floods affected at least six hotels in the area. As a precaution, tourists staying in these hotels were safely shifted to other accommodations. Several boundary walls collapsed, and structural damage was reported at multiple locations. Floodwaters also entered several houses, causing damage to household property.
The Meteorological Department said the region witnessed continuous heavy rainfall from around 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm, with the most severe flooding occurring between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm. Water levels in the Sheshnag and Lidder streams rose sharply but remained below the official warning level.
The district administration has placed all concerned departments on high alert and deployed rescue and surveillance teams in vulnerable areas. Residents and tourists have been advised to stay away from rivers, streams, and the Arpat Nallah, and to strictly follow official safety advisories until weather conditions improve.
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