Flash Floods Ravage Kargil Villages; Army, Police Lead Rescue Efforts

JAMMU/KARGIL, Aug 3: Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall and cloudbursts have caused widespread damage in parts of Ladakh’s Kargil district, disrupting road connectivity and prompting rescue and relief operations by the Army, police and civil administration. Officials said heavy rain on Sunday evening triggered flash floods in Hardass and Tumail villages, inundating residential areas and damaging roads and public infrastructure. Emergency teams and local authorities rushed to the affected villages to assess the damage and assist residents. The Army said its troops immediately launched rescue operations after a cloudburst struck Gund village in Hardass, where floodwaters cut off road access and stranded several residents. Soldiers evacuated affected villagers to safer locations, provided first aid and distributed drinking water, food and other essential supplies despite challenging weather conditions. In coordination with the civil administration, Army personnel also helped clear debris and restore road connectivity, water supply and electricity in the affected areas. Meanwhile, a cloudburst near Mina-2 in Minamarg on Saturday had triggered flash floods and landslides, damaging four temporary Bakerwal shelters and affecting around 20 people. Police safely evacuated all the affected families. A vehicle was also swept away by floodwaters, though all its occupants escaped without injuries. The flash floods also led to the temporary suspension of traffic on the Drass-Srinagar National Highway due to landslides and debris accumulation. Restoration work is underway. Authorities have advised residents, tourists and commuters to avoid crossing overflowing streams and other flood-prone areas until weather conditions improve. Drass Deputy Commissioner Imteeaz Kacho visited Matayen and Pandrass villages to assess the damage, review relief measures and interact with local residents.