A cloudburst in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district triggered a massive mudslide and flash floods in the Darend forest area, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to an official, the cloudburst struck in a remote forest belt, triggering a massive mudslide and overflow in the Padshahi Canal in the Reshipora area of the district.
This caused damage to agricultural land and left dozens of families distressed, with several residential houses inundated.
Local eyewitnesses said a sudden rush of water along with debris entered residential houses and vast areas of agricultural fields, triggering heavy financial losses.
A local present at the site said their repeated requests to concerned officials for proper desilting and maintenance of the canal had gone unheard.
When asked about the losses, another local at the site said, “We suffered losses to agricultural land and residential houses which amount to lakhs due to one major breach.
Despite raising multiple queries, nothing concrete was done by the concerned department to fortify or strengthen the wall of the canal.”
It is worth mentioning that over half a dozen cloudbursts have already struck Jammu and Kashmir in the first half of 2026.
While five instances of cloudbursts have been reported in Jammu, at least two have struck the Kashmir Valley.
Experts have noted that rapid deforestation, massive development projects, and unchecked construction near forest areas are among the major reasons for the recurrence of such phenomena.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Office Srinagar has forecast that erratic weather with unpredictable patterns will continue across Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days.
Also read: J-K DGP calls for enhanced vigil ahead of Amarnath Yatra
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