35 cloudbursts leave 31 dead, numerous residential houses, other infrastructure damaged this year

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, AUGUST 04 (STC): At least 31 people died, several residential houses, roads, bridges and other government and public infrastructure have been extensively damaged in more than 35 cloudburst incidents in Jammu and Kashmir so far this year.
According to the official data, at least 22 cloudburst incidents were reported from June 1 to mid-July. However, several more cloudburst incidents occurred during continuous heavy rains in the second half of July and early August, after which the total number of such incidents this year has crossed 35.
According to officials, the major causes of deaths during severe weather events are cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides resulting from rains. The districts of Jammu division have been the worst affected by these natural disasters, where along with loss of life, there has been massive damage to property.
The officials said that Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda and Kishtwar are among the districts where repeated incidents of heavy rains, cloudbursts, floods and landslides have severely affected normal life. In addition to damage to houses in many areas, roads and bridges have been destroyed or affected, which has also cut off connectivity to remote areas.
The situation in the Kashmir Valley has also been alarming. Several incidents of cloudbursts and flash floods have been reported in various districts including Shopian and Kupwara in recent weeks, due to which water entered many areas and damaged other infrastructure including roads.
These repeated severe weather events have affected residential houses, roads, bridges, agricultural land, irrigation systems and other public facilities. Due to the closure of roads, especially in hilly and remote areas, people have faced difficulties in transportation and delivery of essential commodities.
The recent series of heavy rains has once again highlighted the sensitivity and vulnerability of the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir to weather disasters. Rescue, rehabilitation and relief operations are underway in various affected areas by the administration, police, disaster management teams and other relevant agencies.
The concerned authorities have directed people living in flood-prone areas and hilly areas prone to landslides to be cautious. The public has been asked to monitor the weather situation, strictly follow the weather advisories issued by the administration and the Meteorological Department and avoid going near dangerous places, rivers and landslide-prone areas.
(Straight Talk Communications I Inputs NNB)