Heavy rains cause flash floods in Kashmir

Srinagar: Srinagar and other major parts of the Kashmir valley received heavy rainfall, which inundated many low lying areas and caused flash floods on Thursday.

The Meteorological Department forecast widespread light to moderate rain in the next 24 hours.

Srinagar and nearby areas received heavy rainfall overnight, causing waterlogging in many lanes and bylanes of the city. People alleged that bad drainage forced the rainwater to seep into houses at various places including Shaheedgunj.

The office of Greater Kashmir newspaper was waterlogged due to flash floods at the Industrial Estate on the outskirts of Srinagar.

About three feet of water flooded the ground floor of the complex, damaging machinery, newspaper reels, computers and related items.

Heavy rains also triggered flash floods in a drain at Shah Mohalla KullanGund in Kangan area of Ganderbal district, temporarily blocked the Srinagar-Leh highway. Reports of flash floods were also received from Khaloora Kulgam in south Kashmir.

Many streams and drains were also flooded due to the rain waters across the Kashmir valley.

Srinagar received 43.9 mm, Qazigund 30.6 mm, Pahalgam 5.2 mm, Kupwara 0.4 mm, Kokernag 1.8 mm and Gulmarg 22.8 mm of rainfall till 0830 hours Thursday. (UNI)