Unseasonal heavy rains have triggered severe flash floods across northern Kashmir’s Kupwara district, prompting authorities to close schools and initiate rescue operations.
The Jammu and Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (JKSDMA) announced that all educational institutions up to higher secondary level in the Kashmir division will remain closed on April 30. This decision comes as a response to the inclement weather and ongoing rainfall, which has significantly disrupted normal life.
Rescue Operations Underway
In response to the rising waters, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, along with local emergency services, have been actively conducting rescue operations. A video released by ANI on X (formerly Twitter) shows the extensive flooding in Chogal village, where water levels have risen dramatically, causing distress among the residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted more rain for Jammu and Kashmir over the next 24 hours. There are predictions of fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall or snowfall, accompanied by thunderstorms across the region. The IMD has also issued warnings for potential lightning strikes, urging residents to exercise caution.
Political Response
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, expressed his concerns over the situation on X. He urged the https://dailyingest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vicky-Kaushal.jpgistration to act swiftly to mitigate the effects of the floods, especially in the severely hit areas of Kupwara and Handwara. “Deeply concerned by the reports of flash floods & water-logging from many areas of the valley, particularly the areas in Kupwara & Handwara. I request the https://dailyingest.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Vicky-Kaushal.jpgistration to respond to this developing situation on a war footing to reach people & provide them with assistance,” he posted.
Additional Weather Impact
Apart from the floods, there has been fresh snowfall in the northern parts of Kashmir, including Bandipora district and the Machil sector of Kupwara district. This unusual weather pattern continues to affect the daily lives of the residents, with further updates from the IMD expected as the situation develops.
Damage Reports
In the Mandi area of Poonch in Jammu & Kashmir, heavy rainfall has also led to significant damage, with reports of 8-10 houses being adversely affected.
As rescue and relief efforts continue, authorities remain on high alert, monitoring the weather conditions closely and coordinating further responses to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected populations.
