Srinagar: Although the rains have now subsided and the water is gradually receding, the floods have already carved a trail of devastation across South Kashmir.
From submerged markets in Anantnag to ravaged orchards in Pulwama and inundated homes in Pampore, the aftermath caused huge losses.
Flooding has submerged portions of Anantnag’s main market, severely disrupting daily commerce and inflicting financial losses on local businesses.
Continuous heavy rainfall has caused river spillovers, inundating apple orchards across Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian. Growers report extensive damage to crops, with many fearing devastating economic impact just before harvest season.
A breach in the Jhelum embankment near Zinipora, close to Pampore, triggered rapid flooding.
The Jhelum River and its tributaries, such as the Arpat and Vishow (Weshav) Nallah, have crossed danger levels, prompting widespread inundation in low-lying areas.
Significant evacuations were carried out: thousands moved to safety, including 9,000 residents from Budgam alone.
In Pulwama, 500–600 families shifted to relief centers or moved in with relatives due to flooding in nearly 90 locations, Hindustan Times reported.
Power outages have also been widespread as floodwaters and landslides disrupted electricity infrastructure across south Kashmir.
Beyond South Kashmir, the broader region has witnessed tragic consequences from recent flash floods and landslides.
