SRINAGAR: A flash flood triggered by the overflowing Sakhnag Nallah swept through the main bus stand area in Beerwah town of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday evening, washing away a private shopping complex housing 32 shops.
Quoting officials, news agency GNS reported the Sakhnag Nallah overflowed following heavy rainfall, inundating the bus stand area and causing extensive damage to commercial establishments and other property.
The sudden surge in water swept away the entire private commercial complex, while several nearby shops and structures also suffered damage.
The flooding sparked panic among shopkeepers and residents, who rushed to safer locations as water entered the market.
Rescue and relief operations were immediately launched by local volunteers, police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army and the civil administration.
Meanwhile, the Tehsildar of Beerwah clarified that the structure damaged in the flash flood was a private commercial complex and not the Municipal Shopping Complex, dispelling reports circulating on social media.
Officials said a detailed assessment of the damage is underway. No loss of life or injuries had been reported till the filing of this report.
The district administration has advised residents living near streams, nallahs and other vulnerable water bodies to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement as heavy rainfall continues across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
