A massive cloudburst and ensuing flash floods wreaked havoc in Tanghdar area of Kupwara district, damaging dozens of houses and shops besides road, power and telephone infrastructure.
The cloudburst in Shamsabari mountains caused flash flood in several low-lying areas of Tangdhar, including the town.
The areas that suffered extensive damages are Nacheya, Bagbala, Haji Nard and Gumol. The market in Tangdhar suffered massive losses.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara Khalid Jehangir said that a tanker driver identified as Satpal Singh of Jammu has died in Flash floods.He said his body was recovered Tuesday evening.
About half a dozen culverts, roads and electric poles, transformers besides plinths and boundary walls of houses along nallahas were damaged.
Power supply in Tangdhar has been snapped.
Dozens of cattle were swept away by flash floods from pastures uphill. An unspecified area under paddy cultivation besides irrigation canals also suffered massive damage.
The higher secondary school, hospital and telephone exchange of Tangdhar were also damaged. The cellphone network in the border town was not working when this report was being filed.
Deputy commissioner Kupwara Khalid Jehangir said the administration was busy clearing the debris from the road in Tangdhar town. He said officials were inspecting damaged fields and irrigation canals, which would be restored very soon.
“Property losses are being assessed. So far, there are no reports of loss of any human life,” he said.
The governor administration has also activated divisional administration to take the stock of situation.
“The divisional and district administration has been activated,” advisor to Governor BB Viyas told Greater Kashmir.
“I have assured MLA Karnah of all possible help to victims.”
Secretary disaster management Farooq Ahmed Shah directed district administration Kupwara to ensure the safety of the local population and evacuation of the affected residents if necessary,
Accordingly, District Commissioner Kupwara has issued an alert and directed SDM Karnah, police, SDRF and volunteers to provide necessary help to the affected people.
Army has also been asked to provide support to the civil administration.