A severe cloudburst in northern India’s Kashmir, caused extensive damage to residential houses, agricultural fields, and vehicles.

The incident took place in the Kawcherwan area of Kangan district on August 3.

Visuals showed army personnel clearing the fallen debris in the region. Another set of visuals depicted officials engaged in humanitarian actions, assisting locals affected by the cloudburst’s aftermath. The officials were seen passing fallen rocks to each other, demonstrating a collaborative effort to clear the blocked path.

Heavy rainfall triggered the cloudburst, leading to the blockage of the Power Canal passing through the upper part of the town, exacerbating the situation and prompting urgent evacuation calls for Cherwan, Padabal, and surrounding areas.

According to reports, the cloudburst caused severe damage to the agricultural sector, devastating standing crops throughout the area. Officials disclosed that property damage amounts to crores, leaving the community in a state of panic.

Efforts are ongoing to evaluate the full extent of the damage and provide relief to the affected residents. The Wussan Battalion of the Indian Army and CRPF 118 Bn Gund have initiated extensive Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations to support the affected communities. The army, assisted by JKP, CRPF, and the civil administration, also helped clear NH 1, which had multiple blockages due to the cloudburst. Drone search operations and rescue missions are being conducted in various parts of the affected area.

Residents of Kawcherwan faced significant losses, including damage to roads, water pipes, electricity, and paddy fields. Shortly after the incident, SDPO Kangan, SHO Kangan, SDM Kangan, ADC Ganderbal, and other civil and police officers, along with traffic police, arrived at the scene to assess the situation.