Srinagar, Aug 01: Heavy rainfall triggered flooding in parts of south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Saturday, inundating several houses and a school, while a cloudburst in Kishtwar district damaged property and forced the closure of the Chatroo–Kishtwar stretch of National Highway-244, officials said.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that in Shopian, rainwater entered several houses in Pahlipora village, disrupting normal life and prompting an emergency response from the Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the district administration.
He said rescue teams rushed to the affected area soon after receiving information and launched evacuation and relief operations. “Efforts are underway to drain the accumulated water, shift vulnerable families to safer locations wherever required and assess the extent of the damage,” he said.
The official said several houses and a school were affected by the flooding.
Meanwhile, a cloudburst struck the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district at around 2:30 am following intense rainfall, damaging several structures and washing away a number of vehicles.
“No casualties or injuries were reported in the incident,” officials said, adding that, as a precautionary measure, the Chatroo–Kishtwar stretch of National Highway-244 has been closed to vehicular traffic.
Police, civil administration and other emergency agencies have reached the affected areas and launched assessment and restoration work.
In view of the prevailing heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions, the authorities also ordered the closure of all government and private schools in Ramban and Kishtwar districts for the day.
The Chief Education Officer (CEO), Ramban, said all schools in the district would remain closed on Saturday on the directions of the district administration. Heads of institutions have been directed to conduct online classes through appropriate digital platforms to ensure that academic activities remain uninterrupted.
A similar order was issued by the CEO, Kishtwar, citing heavy rainfall, slippery road conditions and the possibility of shooting stones, which could pose a risk to the safety of students and staff. Schools across the district have also been directed to conduct online classes during the closure.—(KNO)
