Bandipora, July 31: Heavy rainfall on Friday triggered flash flood-like conditions in several areas of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, inundating residential houses, flooding school classrooms, blocking roads and disrupting normal life.
The affected areas included Malpora, Saderkoot Bala, SK Bala and Doudwan, where floodwaters, mud and debris entered residential localities following incessant rainfall during the early hours of the day.
The Government Primary School at Ganie Mohalla, Malpora, Saderkoot Bala was closed after mud, water and debris entered several classrooms, rendering the premises unsafe for students and staff.
Confirming the closure, Zonal Education Officer Hajin, Masood Ahmad, said class work was suspended for the day as a precautionary measure. “Our first priority is the safety of school students,” he said.
The flooding disrupted academic activities and caused concern among parents and local residents, who urged the district administration to assess the damage, protect the school building from further deterioration and restore normalcy at the earliest.
Officials said the flash floods also washed mud, uprooted trees and debris onto the main road and several link roads in Malpora and Doudwan, disrupting vehicular movement and increasing the risk of landslides.
A police team led by DO Ajas, Araf Ahmad, rushed to the affected areas and, with the assistance of local residents, cleared the debris and uprooted trees, restoring traffic movement within a few hours.
An official said the Senior Superintendent of Police, Bandipora, was personally monitoring the situation and had deployed police teams in vulnerable areas to ensure the safety of people living near hill slopes.
Authorities have advised residents and commuters to remain vigilant as the prevailing weather conditions could trigger further flash floods and landslides. [KNT]
