SRINAGAR: The body of a newly married man, who had gone missing after being swept away by a swollen nallah amid the prevailing flood situation in Budgam district yesterday, was recovered from Ashrea Nallah in the Khag area on Wednesday morning following an extensive overnight search operation.
The deceased was identified as Shabir Ahmad Paswal, a resident of Drang, Khag.
According to officials, Shabir Ahmad was swept away after the water level in the nallah rose suddenly following incessant rainfall that triggered flash floods and overflowing streams across the district.
A large-scale rescue operation was launched immediately after the incident by the civil administration, police and rescue agencies. After several hours of sustained efforts, the body was recovered through the joint efforts of local residents, Tehsildar Khag, Station House Officer (SHO) Khag Mudasir Ahmad, rescue personnel, volunteers and local youth.
The incident occurred amid widespread weather-related disruptions across Budgam, where continuous rainfall has inundated several villages, damaged infrastructure and caused rivers and nallahs to overflow, prompting authorities to intensify emergency response measures.
In view of the prevailing situation, Budgam Police reiterated its appeal to the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, streams, nallahs, embankments and other flood-prone areas. The police have also established round-the-clock emergency helplines to provide immediate assistance during the ongoing weather emergency.
Parents have been advised to keep children away from open drains, culverts and fast-flowing water, while members of the public have been urged not to gather near water bodies to witness rising water levels or take photographs, as rapidly changing currents pose a serious threat to life.
Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Budgam had directed all departments to remain on high alert and ordered the immediate activation of Police, SDRF, Civil Defence, Fire and Emergency Services and other emergency response agencies. He instructed officials to maintain continuous surveillance of vulnerable locations and ensure prompt response to any emergency arising from the adverse weather conditions.
The Deputy Commissioner also appealed to people to cooperate with the administration, remain indoors unless absolutely necessary, avoid venturing near flooded nallahs, breached embankments and vulnerable areas, and strictly comply with evacuation advisories issued by the police and civil administration.
Officials said all departments continue to work in close coordination to safeguard lives and property as the district remains under the impact of persistent heavy rainfall. [KNT]
