Cloudburst triggers flash floods in Anantnag, Pahalgam; hotels, homes, orchards damaged

13/07/2026

SRINAGAR, Jul 12: A cloudburst triggered flash floods in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, causing widespread damage to residential houses, hotels, orchards, agricultural land and road infrastructure, while the Meteorological Department warned of more rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days.
The cloudburst struck the Nala Chotihall area of Chittergul in Anantnag district on Saturday evening, leading to flash floods that inundated villages, entered residential houses and damaged paddy fields and apple orchards.
Officials said emergency teams were rushed to the affected areas by the district administration to assess the damage and undertake relief and preventive measures.
Residents described the devastation as extensive, saying floodwaters entered homes and forced families to flee during the night.
Local resident Manzoor Ahmad Khan said the natural calamity had dealt a severe blow to farmers dependent on paddy cultivation and horticulture.
"The flood has destroyed orchards and paddy fields. Farmers have suffered huge losses and deserve immediate compensation for damaged crops and apple trees," he said.
Recalling the terrifying moments during the flash floods, Khan said residents barely managed to escape to safety.
"Water entered our homes and even surrounded the mosque from all sides. Our only concern was saving ourselves and our children," he said.
Another resident, Rayees Ahmad, said the cloudburst occurred around 7 pm, sending torrents of water from the surrounding hills that diverted a local stream and caused widespread destruction.
"The area consists mainly of paddy fields and horticultural land. The destruction has been severe, and many families had to leave their homes immediately," he said, urging the administration to conduct a fair assessment and provide compensation.
He also said floodwaters from the Chatpal area damaged the main road, disrupting movement and affecting connectivity to nearby villages.
Resident Ishfaq Ahmad Khan said panic gripped the area as water rapidly entered residential localities.
"People spent the night on roads and in mosques after leaving their homes. Our orchards, fields and livestock have suffered heavy losses. The authorities should visit the area and conduct a physical assessment," he said.
Meanwhile, the tourist resort of Pahalgam recorded the highest rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir during the last 24 hours, receiving 42.6 mm of precipitation, according to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar.
Officials said the heavy rainfall, reportedly triggered by a localised cloudburst in the forest areas of Awoora and Dehwathu, caused flash floods in a stream that later joined the Lidder Nallah at Batkoot.
The floodwaters inundated at least six hotels in the popular tourist destination, while several hotel buildings and residential houses also sustained damage.
Water levels in the Sheshnag Nallah and Lidder Nallah rose sharply following the downpour. However, officials said both streams continued to flow below their respective alarm levels.
According to the Meteorological Centre, other places that recorded significant rainfall during the last 24 hours included Sonamarg (21 mm), Gulmarg (11.8 mm) and Baramulla (5.5 mm), while most other parts of the Union Territory witnessed light rainfall or remained dry.
The Meteorological Department has forecast fairly widespread to scattered light rain and thunderstorms across Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, with isolated places likely to witness brief spells of intense showers.
It said weather conditions from July 13 to July 17 are expected to remain generally hot and humid, although scattered areas may receive brief rain and thundershowers, with isolated places in the Jammu division likely to experience short-duration intense showers.
The department has also predicted a fresh spell of light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places across Jammu and Kashmir between July 18 and July 20, advising people in vulnerable areas to remain cautious in view of the possibility of localized flash floods and waterlogging.

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