- Authorities rush to aid affected families and repair damage
Yash Khajuria
Kargil, Aug 06: At least 10 houses were affected, and crops over 114 kanals of agricultural land were damaged after flash floods struck Sking village in the Zanskar Sub-division of District Kargil. The natural disaster, which struck unexpectedly, has left the local community grappling with the aftermath.
According to local authorities, the floods affected at least 10 houses, with three structures suffering substantial damage. The inundation has displaced several families, who are now seeking refuge and assistance.
SDM Zanskar Ronil Singh, in a telephonic conversation with ‘The Earth News Ladakh,’ detailed the immediate response to the disaster. “Right after the incident, a team of officials, including those from the Rural Development Department and the Revenue Department, led by Tehsildar Zanskar, was dispatched to assess the damage and coordinate the rescue and rehabilitation efforts,” Singh stated.
Tehsildar Zanskar Mohd Hassan, providing a more comprehensive report on the extent of the destruction, stated, “The flash floods resulted in the loss and damage of crops over approximately 114 kanals of agricultural land. Besides, 10 residential houses were affected and filled with silt, with three of them being severely damaged, leaving their inhabitants homeless. Additionally, the local irrigation system (Zamindari Kouls) and a foot suspension bridge were also damaged,” Hassan explained. Immediate directives were issued to local authorities to commence repair work on the irrigation system. Meanwhile, the affected families were moved to safer locations in a shelter home and provided with food and essential supplies.
Furthermore, at least 18 truck drivers, mainly from Manali, were stranded on the National Highway in Kargil and were provided with food and other essential supplies.
The disaster has drawn attention from various quarters. Former Member of Parliament Jamyang Tsering Namgyal expressed his concern over the damage to agricultural land and properties. In a tweet, he mentioned, “Just informed by Sh. Stanzin Chotak Zanskar BJYM National Executive Member about a flash flood in Sking in Zanskar, damaging farmland and properties. Spoke to the village representative and coordinating with local officials for quick relief and restoration. Assured my full support.”
Authorities are continuing their efforts to provide relief and support to the affected families. The focus remains on restoring normalcy in the region by repairing infrastructure and ensuring that displaced residents receive the necessary assistance.
