Srinagar: Torrential rains triggered massive flash floods in Beerwah and Khag areas of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday, sweeping away a man and causing widespread damage to markets and residential areas, while rescue teams intensified the search for missing persons in the flood-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu division.
An official told KNO that a man identified as Shabir Ahmad Poswal, of Drang village in Khag, was swept away near Gujarpati, Drung Khag. “He is feared dead and search for the body is on,” the official added.
In Budgam’s Beerwah town, the Sukhnag stream overflowed following incessant rain, triggering flood-like conditions that swept away dozens of shops along its banks and caused extensive damage to public infrastructure.
Officials and local residents said the swollen stream washed away several shops, including parts of a municipal shopping complex near the main bus stand, forcing traders to scramble to shift their goods to safety.
The floodwaters also damaged a temporary alternative road serving as the only link connecting Beerwah with Budgam and Khansahib while a new bridge is under construction. Vehicular movement was disrupted after the road suffered extensive damage.
A drinking water supply pipeline was also damaged, affecting potable water supply to parts of the area. Embankments along the stream were eroded, raising fears of further flooding if rainfall persists.
Residents urged the administration to restore road connectivity, repair the damaged water supply network and strengthen flood protection measures. Officials said an assessment of the damage was underway.