Srinagar, July 11: Two cloudbursts struck south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Saturday late evening, triggering flash floods in Shangus and Pahalgam, damaging agricultural land and inundating several huts and hotels, officials said.
The first cloudburst hit the upper reaches of Chatergul in Shangus, causing the Aaripath stream to swell.
Floodwaters carrying mud and debris entered paddy fields, orchards and parts of nearby residential areas, damaging standing crops, officials said.
About an hour later, another cloudburst struck the Overa Wildlife Sanctuary in Pahalgam area , leading to a sudden surge in the Overa Nallah. The overflowing stream entered several huts and hotels, creating panic in the area.
Tourists staying in a hotel near the stream were safe, officials said.
Officials said all concerned departments had been put on alert, while rescue and monitoring teams were deployed to assess the situation and keep watch over vulnerable areas.
“There has been no report of any casualty so far. The damage assessment is underway at both locations,” an official said.
The administration has advised residents and visitors to stay away from rivers and streams, avoid venturing near the Aaripath and Overa Nallahs, and follow official advisories in view of the prevailing weather conditions.
