Kargil, July 20: Widespread flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall have caused extensive damage across several villages in Kargil district, destroying agricultural land, standing crops, orchards, houses, shops, vehicles and irrigation infrastructure, while authorities have issued a fresh warning as more rainfall is forecast until July 25.
Among the worst-affected areas are Budgam, Karkitchoo, Choskore, Silmo, Yokma Kharboo, besides Sangra, Chumikchan, Lalung, Karsikhar, Piyangkung, Sakpuri and several other villages where overflowing streams and flash floods inundated fields and damaged public infrastructure.
Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC Kargil, Dr Jaffar Akhoon, who visited the affected villages, said the losses suffered by farmers were severe as crops were on the verge of harvesting.
"Our agricultural land has been destroyed. The crops were almost ready for harvest and even the grass was ready. The damage to agriculture is enormous," he said while interacting with media during his inspection of flood-hit areas.
According to Dr Akhoon, around 10 to 15 houses suffered damage in Sangra village, while several shops were also affected by the floods. In another tragic incident reported from Shumikchan, floodwaters swept away 12 to 14 milking cows, causing significant losses to livestock owners.
He said standing crops in villages including Lalung, Karsikhar, Piyangkung and Sakpuri were badly damaged, while irrigation channels and headworks that supply water to farmlands were washed away.
"The irrigation headworks have been damaged in many places and drinking water supply systems have also suffered. Farmers have lost standing crops due to the destruction of irrigation infrastructure," he said.
The CEC said several vehicles were also washed away in Karkitchoo and flood damage was reported from Brako, Chiktan, Yokma Kharboo and other villages.
Following the widespread damage, the district administration has mobilised all departments, including disaster response agencies, to restore essential services and assess losses.
Dr Akhoon said a high-level review meeting was held with officials of the district administration, NDRF and other concerned departments, directing all officers to remain on alert in view of the continuing weather threat.
"Control rooms have been activated at all sub-divisional levels, with the central control room functioning in Kargil. All officers have been instructed to stay vigilant and remain prepared for any unforeseen disaster," he said.
He added that while every effort was being made to safeguard human lives, the agricultural sector had suffered heavy losses.
Considering the forecast of heavy rainfall over the next two days, the district administration has also announced summer vacations for schools from Tuesday, except for students appearing in examinations, as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Centre Leh has predicted rainfall across parts of Ladakh until July 25, prompting authorities to advise people living near vulnerable streams and flood-prone areas to remain alert and avoid unnecessary movement during periods of intense rainfall.
Flood-like situation in Ganderbal
Heavy rainfall also affected the Safapora area of central Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Monday, where overflowing water created a flood-like situation, causing panic among residents.
The incident damaged local property, inundated several areas and disrupted normal life. Authorities have begun assessing the extent of damage, while residents have appealed to the administration for immediate relief measures and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
Officials have urged people in vulnerable areas of both Kargil and Ganderbal to exercise caution, follow weather advisories and cooperate with the administration as the wet spell is expected to continue over the coming days.
