On Thursday morning, a series of cloudbursts triggered flash floods in the upper reaches of Bandipora district in north Kashmir, causing significant damage to infrastructure and homes. The intense rainfall affected multiple areas, leaving a trail of destruction.
The cloudbursts struck the villages of Arin and Dardpora, where they wreaked havoc on footbridges, retaining walls, and crops. The District Development Council member for Arin, Ghulam Mohiud-din Rather, reported that the flash floods had damaged several footbridges, vegetable fields, orchards, and link roads in these twin villages. The rising waters led to the collapse of a boundary wall near one house, prompting the evacuation of the affected family.
In addition to the devastation in Arin and Dardpora, another cloudburst in the upper reaches of Chandaji caused further disruption. The Bandipora-Gurez road was blocked, and waterlogging affected numerous homes in the Pazalpora area and its surroundings.
Despite the extensive damage, authorities reported no loss of life. However, a footbridge was washed away by the floodwaters. Teams have been dispatched to assess the full extent of the damage and begin the process of recovery and repair.
Intermittent moderate to intense rainfall continued to affect the Kashmir Valley throughout the morning, exacerbating the situation and hindering response efforts.