Srinagar, July 12: A suspected cloudburst triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on Saturday, inundating several hotels and residential houses after heavy rainfall lashed the region. Officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries have been reported.

According to officials, a sudden spell of intense rainfall, believed to have been caused by a localized cloudburst, struck the forest areas of Awoora and Dehwathu in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The heavy downpour caused a stream flowing through Awoora to overflow, leading to flash floods that affected parts of Pahalgam.

Reports said the area witnessed continuous heavy rainfall between 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with flash flooding occurring between 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. The overflowing waters entered several hotels and nearby houses, disrupting normal life and causing extensive inundation.

Authorities immediately launched rescue operations and evacuated tourists from the affected hotels to safer locations. Officials said all tourists are safe, while damage assessment and relief operations are underway.

The heavy rainfall also caused a drain flowing through the area, which joins the Lidder Stream near Batkut, to overflow. As a result, three to four hotels and several residential houses were flooded.

Officials further stated that water levels in both the Sheshnag Nullah and the Lidder Nullah have risen sharply due to continuous rainfall. However, both water bodies remain below the danger mark, and the administration is closely monitoring the situation.