Indian Army personnel on Tuesday rescued 34 individuals, including 30 students and four teachers, who were trapped in a school hostel in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir. The individuals were marooned due to a sudden and significant rise in water levels following intense rainfall.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the incident occurred in the Watargam area of Rafiabad, where continuous and heavy rainfall led to a sudden surge in the water level of a local stream. This rise in water caused flooding within the premises of a local school hostel, trapping the students and teachers inside. The officials stated that there were no safe exit routes available for the stranded individuals.
Following the distress call, a local army unit immediately launched a humanitarian assistance operation. Despite facing challenging weather conditions and dangerously high water levels, the army teams successfully reached the marooned individuals. All 34 persons were safely evacuated from the flooded hostel to secure locations. Following their rescue, the children and staff received necessary assistance from the army, including medical attention and refreshments.
The rescue operation was a coordinated effort, with support from the local police, the district administration, and active participation from local youth. Their combined efforts were instrumental in ensuring the swift and safe evacuation of all stranded persons.
The rainfall in the region over the preceding 48 hours had been significant, with plains experiencing moderate rain and higher reaches receiving snowfall. Baramulla recorded the highest rainfall in the valley over the past 24 hours, measuring over 70 mm. Other areas also reported substantial precipitation, including Nowgam in Handwara (58.2 mm), Qazigund (48.6 mm), and Kulgam (42.2 mm). Srinagar city recorded 31.6 mm of rain during the same period.
In a separate, unrelated incident, a snow avalanche was reported in the Tulail area of the Gurez sector in Bandipora district. However, officials confirmed that this avalanche remained confined to the mountainous region and did not cause any damage.
Weather forecasts indicate that Kashmir will experience cloudy conditions on Wednesday, with a possibility of another wet spell anticipated over the weekend.
The Chenab Times News Desk