The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Multiple cloudbursts triggered by intense rainfall struck different parts of Kashmir on Monday, causing flash floods that damaged roads, bridges and residential houses while disrupting normal life in several areas of the Valley.

The worst-affected areas included Badrama village in Shopian district, Safapora in Bandipora district and Batkoot in the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, where sudden surges of water inundated roads, low-lying localities and agricultural land.

In Shopian, a cloudburst at Badrama triggered flash floods that swept through parts of the village, creating panic among residents. In Safapora, floodwaters entered several houses and shops while submerging roads, lanes and orchards. Batkoot in Pahalgam also witnessed flash floods following a cloudburst, affecting normal life and prompting precautionary measures by the authorities.

The adverse weather also damaged road infrastructure and bridges at several places, disrupting vehicular movement and affecting connectivity in the impacted areas.

Police, civil administration, disaster management teams and other emergency response agencies were deployed to monitor the situation, assist affected residents and restore normalcy.

No loss of life was reported from any of the affected areas till the filing of this report. However, authorities have advised people, particularly those living near streams, nallahs and landslide-prone areas, to remain vigilant as wet weather is expected to persist across the Valley.

The administration is continuing to assess the damage while restoration of affected infrastructure and essential services is underway.

SRINAGAR — Rain and thundershowers are likely to affect many parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next 12 hours, with the Jammu region expected to witness the maximum impact, according to an update issued by weather forecaster Kashmir Weather.

The weather update said considerable cloud development has taken place near the Jammu plains, with the cloud mass expanding rapidly towards the region, increasing the likelihood of widespread rainfall and thunderstorms.

The advisory warned that some areas could experience high-intensity rainfall capable of triggering landslides and flash floods, particularly in vulnerable locations.

It also cautioned that isolated cloudburst incidents cannot be ruled out if weather conditions intensify.

People, particularly those living in landslide-prone and flood-vulnerable areas, have been advised to remain alert, avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy rainfall and follow advisories issued by the local administration and disaster management authorities.

RAMBAN — Seventeen suspected Bangladeshi nationals, including women and children, were detained by police in Ramban district while travelling towards Kashmir after they allegedly failed to produce valid travel and identity documents during a security check, official sources said.

The group was intercepted near Banihal during routine checking carried out in connection with the ongoing Amarnath Yatra. According to police sources, the individuals were travelling in two vehicles when they came under scrutiny.

Sources told the news agency KNT that police personnel became suspicious after they were unable to communicate with the occupants due to a language barrier. During preliminary questioning, the group failed to satisfactorily establish their identity, prompting their detention for further verification.

Initial investigation, according to police sources, suggests that the detained persons had allegedly entered India illegally through the Assam border before travelling towards Kashmir. However, officials said the claims are being verified as part of the investigation.

Following the detention, police registered an FIR at Police Station Banihal under Sections 3 and 21 of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025.

Police sources said the group comprises 17 persons, including women and small children. The purpose of their journey to Kashmir and other aspects related to their travel are being investigated.

Officials said further investigation is in progress to ascertain their identity, route of entry into the country and any possible network involved.