Floodwaters inundate new bus stand area in J-K's Rajouri, several vehicles washed away
Rajouri, July 19
Flash floods triggered by heavy overnight rain battered Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Sunday, forcing hundreds of residents to go to safer places as an overflowing river inundated the New Bus Stand area at Bela, washing away several parked vehicles.
The district administration has issued a high alert, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers and streams as heavy rainfall is expected to continue.
Speaking with ANI, residents talked about the loss they have suffered.
A resident said most of the household items at his residence have been washed away and a woman in the area is missing.
"There has been significant damage. In my estimate, over 200 cars could be missing or are damaged. The bus stand has been inundated," another resident said.
He said around 300 vehicles were parked in the area when the flood struck.
"We earnestly request the administration to send JCBs or cranes to retrieve the vehicles. The flood situation remains critical," the resident added.
Rajouri area is under an orange alert. The weather office has indicated there could be rain at night.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir administration has suspended the Amarnath Yatra on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes to ensure the safety of pilgrims after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning of heavy rainfall across the Union Territory.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is terrible news. I visited Rajouri last year for work, and the new bus stand was supposed to be a symbol of progress. Now it's underwater. My thoughts are with the residents who lost everything. Climate change is making these events more severe.
Over 200 cars damaged or missing? That's not just vehicles, those are people's livelihoods. Many might not have insurance cover for flash floods. 😢 The government must step in with compensation and immediate relief measures. Orange alert was not enough.
I'm a disaster management researcher. The incident shows infrastructure planning in hilly regions must account for extreme weather events. Drains, retaining walls, and early warning systems need urgent upgrades. The Amarnath Yatra suspension was a wise call though, safety first.
It's not just about retrieval of vehicles. We need long-term solutions. Every monsoon, similar stories emerge from different parts of J&K. Why are no permanent flood control measures being implemented? The administration should be held accountable for this recurring devastation. 😤
As someone from Kashmir, this hits close to home. Rajouri is a beautiful place but poorly prepared for such disasters. The JCB request from the resident is so basic yet essential. Hope the administration responds quickly. Stay safe, everyone! 💙
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