Srinagar, September 2, 2025 – Heavy downpours battered several parts of Kashmir on Monday evening, leading to widespread waterlogging and flooded streets in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Officials reported significant disruptions to daily life, with commuters and shopkeepers facing major inconveniences as key areas turned into virtual rivers. The relentless rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and gusty winds, caused flooding in prominent locations such as Residency Road, TRC Chowk, and Dal Gate. Vehicles were seen navigating through knee-deep water, resulting in severe traffic jams and halting movement in the affected zones. “The sudden downpour caught many off guard, leading to chaos on the roads,” said a local traffic official, highlighting the challenges in managing the flow during peak hours. Intermittent showers continued into the night across the Valley, exacerbating the situation.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning for heavy and intense showers, thunderstorms, lightning, and strong winds in districts including Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam. Some areas in south Kashmir, such as Anantnag and Kulgam, recorded substantial rainfall, raising concerns over potential flash floods and landslides. The IMD forecasted generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain or thunder at many places on Tuesday and Wednesday, with moderate to heavy precipitation likely in Anantnag and Kulgam, particularly between Tuesday evening and Wednesday afternoon. In response to the adverse conditions, authorities urged residents to exercise caution. The IMD advised people to stay away from electric poles, old trees, and unstable structures to avoid accidents. Boating activities, including shikara rides on Dal Lake and other water bodies, were temporarily suspended for safety reasons. “Avoid venturing near slopes, riverbanks, or flood-prone areas until the weather improves,” read an official advisory issued by the Srinagar administration, which also highlighted risks in low-lying neighborhoods like Fakir Gujri and Khonmoh. Fortunately, there were no reports of loss of life or major property damage from this latest spell of rain.
The Jhelum River and other water bodies in the Valley remained well below the danger mark, providing some relief amid memories of the devastating 2014 floods that had submerged large parts of the region. However, the ongoing monsoon fury in Jammu and Kashmir has already claimed numerous lives in recent weeks, with over 110 fatalities reported from cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods since mid-August. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) continues to face disruptions due to shooting stones and waterlogging in areas like Ramban, further complicating relief and travel efforts. Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, emphasized the administration’s preparedness, stating that emergency response teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), are on high alert.
Dewatering pumps have been deployed in waterlogged areas, and control rooms are operational 24/7 to handle distress calls. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reviewed the situation and directed swift restoration of essential services, including telecom networks disrupted by the rains. Environmental experts attribute the increasing frequency of such events to climate change and poor resource management, calling for better infrastructure and early warning systems. As the Valley braces for more rain, residents are advised to monitor weather updates and follow safety guidelines to mitigate risks. The IMD’s alerts underscore the need for vigilance, with the monsoon season showing no signs of abating in the Himalayan region.
