Flash Floods Hit Kargil Villages After Heavy Rain, Army Launches Rescue Operations

Jammu/Kargil, Aug 3: Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall and cloudbursts hit several parts of the Kargil region, damaging roads and other infrastructure, disrupting connectivity and prompting rescue and relief operations by the Army, police and civil administration, officials said on Monday.

Heavy rain triggered flash floods in Hardass and Tumail villages on Sunday evening, inundating residential areas and damaging roads and public infrastructure. Local authorities and emergency teams immediately moved into the affected areas to assess the situation and undertake relief measures.

The Army said troops of the Forever in Operations division launched rescue and relief operations after a cloudburst struck Gund in Hardass, snapping road connectivity and leaving residents stranded.

Troops evacuated affected villagers, provided first aid and distributed drinking water, essential supplies and meals amid challenging weather conditions, Army officials said.

In coordination with the civil administration, the Army also assisted in clearing debris and restoring roads, water supply and electricity to facilitate relief operations in the affected villages.

Earlier, a cloudburst near Mina-2 in Minamarg on Saturday triggered flash floods and landslides, affecting four temporary shelters housing around 20 members of Bakerwal families. Police said personnel from Minamarg police post evacuated the families to safer locations.

A car was also washed away by floodwaters, though all its occupants escaped unhurt.

Traffic on the Drass-Srinagar National Highway was temporarily suspended following landslides and debris, with restoration work underway.

Police advised commuters, tourists and residents to avoid crossing overflowing streams and other flood-prone areas until weather conditions improve.

Drass Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho visited Matayen and Pandrass villages to assess the situation and review local requirements. (Agencies)