SRINAGAR: A series of cloudbursts lashed several parts of Kashmir on Monday, triggering flash floods that claimed the life of a woman in Kupwara district, damaged infrastructure and forced authorities to evacuate hundreds of residents and tourists to safer locations.
The deceased, identified as Naseema Begum (52), was swept away by a flash flood after a cloudburst hit the Lolab area of Kupwara. Officials said she was attempting to cross a culvert over a swollen stream when she was caught in the strong currents. Her body was later recovered downstream near Shahabad.
In Kupwara, flash floods also damaged a mosque and a pedestrian bridge at Bimla Wali Moori, disrupting local connectivity.
Cloudbursts were also reported from the tourist resort of Pahalgam in Anantnag district, Herpora in Shopian and Dardpora in Bandipora, where overflowing streams inundated low-lying areas and damaged roads and bridges.
With water levels rising rapidly, the administration launched evacuation operations in vulnerable areas. Around 200 people, including tourists, were shifted to safer locations in Pahalgam, while nearly 80 residents were evacuated in Shopian as a precautionary measure.
Officials said rescue and relief teams have been deployed in the affected districts to monitor the situation and assist stranded residents. Authorities are also assessing the extent of damage caused to public infrastructure as intermittent rainfall continues across the Valley.
Officials urged residents to take note of the change in location and extend their cooperation to ensure the smooth functioning of government services from the new office.
