Srinagar, August 18, 2025 – Heavy rainfall battered the Kashmir Valley on Monday, causing waterlogging, traffic disruptions, and raising fears of flash floods and landslides across multiple districts. The Meteorological Department has issued yellow and orange alerts, warning of intense showers, potential mudslides, and hazardous conditions in vulnerable areas, with forecasts predicting continued rainfall through the week.
Persistent downpours impacted urban and rural areas, including Srinagar, Kupwara, Baramulla, Anantnag, and Pulwama, with low-lying areas like Downtown Srinagar, Bemina, and Qamarwari facing severe waterlogging. Overflowing drains and submerged roads disrupted daily life, stranding commuters and affecting local businesses. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and Mughal Road were temporarily closed due to minor landslides and slippery conditions, disrupting essential supply chains.The Meteorological Department reported significant rainfall, with Srinagar recording 18.6 mm and Gulmarg receiving 24.4 mm in the past 24 hours. Higher reaches, including Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Gurez, saw light snowfall, complicating travel and increasing risks of avalanches.
Authorities issued advisories for hilly districts like Poonch, Rajouri, and Kishtwar, urging residents to avoid riverbanks and low-lying areas prone to flash floods. A cloudburst in Poonch triggered flash flooding, damaging homes and agricultural fields, while a tragic incident in Surankote saw a 45-year-old woman swept away by floodwaters.In Srinagar, residents expressed frustration over inadequate drainage systems, with areas like Natipora and Chanpora reporting sewage overflow and inundated streets. “The municipal authorities have failed to prepare for such heavy rains,” said Mohammad Ashraf, a local shopkeeper. Rural communities faced additional challenges, with damaged bridges and blocked roads isolating villages in Kupwara and Bandipora.Experts point to climate change as a key driver of the extreme weather.
Dr. Bilal Mir, an environmental scientist, noted, “Kashmir is witnessing climate whiplash—heatwaves followed by intense rains. Unplanned urbanization and poor infrastructure amplify the damage.” The region’s aging drainage systems and deforestation in hilly areas have increased vulnerability to floods and landslides.The Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority (JKDMA) has deployed response teams and issued avalanche warnings for higher altitudes. Emergency helplines have been activated, and schools in affected areas were closed as a precaution. Authorities urged residents to stay updated via weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel.As the rains continue, the focus remains on disaster preparedness and addressing infrastructure gaps to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events in the future.
