5 Dead, Over 30 Feared Missing After Cloudburst Causes Flash Floods

At least five people have reportedly been killed and over 30 are feared missing following flash floods in India's Jammu region administered by the Union government.

The flash floods were triggered by a cloudburst in the Kishtwar region of Jammu & Kashmir's (J&K) Chenab Valley. A cloudburst usually happens when an extreme amount of precipitation is expelled in a short period of time.

"Following cloudburst in Dachhan region, 30 to 40 persons missing, four dead bodies recovered so far…Air Force authorities contacted for lifting the injured as and when required," tweeted India's Union Minister Jitendra Singh.

"Keeping close track of the situation. Every kind of further help will be provided as per requirement."

The minister also informed that the Army and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to carry out rescue operations in the affected areas. However, persistent rains are causing hindrance in the search and rescue operations in the region.

Parts of the flood-hit area are reportedly inaccessible by roads and are experiencing a communication disruption, said local journalist Asif Naik to Outlook.

A severe weather alert in the state has also been issued by the meteorological department of J&K.

According to the director of the department Sonam Lotus, the widespread intermittent rainfall is most likely to continue until July 30, reported the outlet. Some areas may witness heavy rains, leading to possible flash floods, mudslides, landslides, and waterlogging.

"The meteorological department has predicted heavy rains during the upcoming days and water levels in rivers and nallas are expected to rise, which can pose a threat to the inhabitants residing near rivers, nallas, water bodies and slide-prone areas," read an advisory issued by the Kishtwar district administration, reported Times of India.

India is a new member to join the growing list of countries devasted by flash floods. Earlier this month, flash floods wreaked havoc in Europe, with almost 200 people losing their lives in Germany and 41 being killed in Belgium. Continued extreme weather in England also saw parts of London streets and tube stations submerged in water following a flash flood last Sunday.

Last week, China’s Henan province was ravaged by record-breaking rainfall that triggered a flood. At least 12 people lost their lives after an underground train tunnel got flooded.