Officials Clarify: It Was Not Municipal Shopping Complex, But Private Property
A B Wani
Budgam, July 21 (GNS): At least 32 shops were swept away after the Sakhnag Nallah burst its banks and inundated the main bus stand area in Beerwah town of central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Tuesday evening.
Officials and local sources told GNS that a sudden rise in the water level of the Sakhnag Nallah triggered a flash flood that tore through the bus stand, washing away an entire private shopping complex comprising 32 shops. The surge also caused extensive damage to other commercial establishments and property in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, the Tehsildar of the area clarified that the damaged structure was a private commercial complex, not the Municipal Shopping Complex at the bus stand.
The sudden flooding created panic among shopkeepers and residents, who abandoned their shops and rushed to safer locations as water entered the market area.
Soon after, local volunteers along with police, SDRF, NDRF, Army and civil administration teams were mobilized for rescue and relief operations.
Authorities said the extent of the damage is being assessed. No loss of life has been reported so far.
Meanwhile, the district administration has advised residents living along vulnerable streams and water bodies to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary movement as heavy rainfall continues across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir. (GNS)
