13 houses washed away in Kulgam flash floods

Suhail A Shah

Anantnag, September 23

At least 19 houses were damaged, 13 of them completely, following flash floods triggered by incessant rains in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

There, however, have been no reports of any casualty or injuries to anyone. Three diversions and a school building were also damaged in the flash floods.

According to official reports, Vaishaw Nullah in the Laisoo area of Kulgam has swelled following incessant rain since Monday evening causing heavy damage in the area.

“The overflowing Vaishaw caused flash floods, wrecking havoc in the area,” a senior official from Kulgam district administration told The Tribune.

He said at least nine residential houses were completely washed away in Laisoo village and four others in the nearby Aadpora village. Fortunately, people had moved to safer places anticipating the calamity, he said.

Tents and eatables, along with some cash assistance have been provided to the affected families, the official said.

Meanwhile, a school building has also been completely damaged in the Laisoo village. Three diversions in Kulgam district, one in Shopian and two in Pulwama have also been washed away by the flash floods.

The government had this morning sounded a flood alert in the Valley following two days of continuous rain.

However, improvement in weather today has substantially decreased the flood threat.