MIRPUR, Jul 27 (APP): Azad Jammu Kashmir (AJK) is reeling under the impact of a powerful monsoon spell, with widespread flooding, landslides, and torrential rains wreaking havoc across the region.
Mirpur, the divisional headquarters, bore the brunt of the deluge, with seasonal nullahs and streams overflowing, and rivers swelling alarmingly. A passenger bus narrowly escaped a massive landslide near Muzaffarabad, the state capital, on Saturday morning.
The AJK State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has issued a warning to residents living near water bodies to exercise extreme caution, as the full force of the monsoon rains has begun to hit various parts of the state.
The rains, which began on Friday night, have caused significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and telecommunication systems, in Mirpur and surrounding areas. Trees, hoardings, and electricity poles have been uprooted, and several buildings have developed cracks due to land sliding.
The low-lying Mirpur-Kotli Highway and city streets are inundated with water, disrupting vehicular traffic. Residents of the New City, a recently developed area, are among the worst affected, with rainy water entering their homes and causing cracks in buildings.
The laborers and kiln owners are the most affected communities, with their livelihoods severely impacted by the relentless rains, which are expected to continue for the next 24 hours.
The AJK government has swung into action, deploying heavy machinery to clear landslides and restore traffic flow. However, the situation remains precarious, with more rains forecasted in the coming days.
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