Drass, Aug 1: A cloudburst triggered flash floods and landslides near Mina-2 in Minamarg in Drass district on Saturday evening, prompting a swift rescue operation by Police Post Minamarg, which safely evacuated around 20 members of four Bakerwal families to safer locations. No loss of life or injuries were reported in the incident, officials said.
An official said the cloudburst struck the Minamarg area on the evening of August 1, causing flash floods and landslides that affected four temporary Bakerwal shelters (deras) situated opposite Police Post Minamarg. The shelters housed approximately 20 people.
Responding immediately, personnel of Police Post Minamarg launched a rescue operation and shifted all the affected families to the Police Post Minamarg building and the nearby Sheep Husbandry Department building, ensuring their safety.
During the incident, a Wagon R vehicle was washed away by the force of the flash flood. However, all occupants of the vehicle escaped safely, and no casualties were reported.
The cloudburst also disrupted traffic on the Drass–Srinagar National Highway, with movement temporarily suspended at the affected stretch due to debris and landslides. Police teams, assisted by road clearance machinery, are on the spot and are working to remove debris and restore vehicular movement at the earliest.
District Police Drass has advised commuters, tourists, and local residents to avoid crossing overflowing streams, water channels, and other flood-prone areas. Authorities have urged the public to exercise extreme caution while travelling until weather conditions improve and the highway is declared safe for traffic.
Officials said rescue and restoration operations are continuing in the area, while the situation is being closely monitored. No further damage or casualties had been reported till the filing of this report.
