Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 4: Srinagar-Leh National Highway reopened today after a10-hour closure caused by a mudslide triggered by a cloudburst in Cherwan area of Kangan in Ganderbal district, which also damaged several residential houses and paddy fields.
The cloudburst, which occurred late last night, triggered a mudslide that swept through Cherwan, damaging paddy fields and residential houses. The deluge caused by the cloudburst led to the inundation of several homes, making them uninhabitable and necessitating the immediate evacuation of residents. The mudslide blocked the Srinagar-Leh Highway and rendered the Baltal base camp for the Amarnath Yatra inaccessible. After nearly 10 hours of effort, the administration successfully cleared the road and restored vehicular movement.
The locals said that the cloudburst happened at 12:45 a.m. “The cloudburst occurred near the hydroelectric station canal, causing blockages and overflow that damaged both upper land areas and lower residential regions. We immediately rehabilitated the affected people, especially traumatized children,” they said. The resident also noted that while landslides are not uncommon in the area, they had not been previously reported on this scale. The ongoing Amarnath Yatra has heightened attention to this incident. “We demand that affected people be rehabilitated to prevent future loss of life,” he added.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Kangan, Bilal Mukhtar, confirmed the damage to several residential houses in lower areas. “Upon our arrival, we ensured that no casualties had occurred, and fortunately, no lives were lost. However, some houses were inundated with mud and water, and nearby paddy fields were damaged,” he said.
Mukhtar also mentioned that field staff are assessing the losses to facilitate compensation.
The SDM urged residents to stay in safer places and remain alert due to a weather advisory for the next three days. “We appeal to people to stay in safe locations and remain vigilant. In case of further incidents, people should help each other, and the administration will be available to help,” he said.
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