Flash floods triggered by heavy rains washed away a portion of the vital Khumriyal bridge Wednesday evening leaving residents worried.
Khumriyal bridge connects the entire Lolab valley with district headquarters and was damaged due to an increase in the water level. In past weeks, Kupwara received heavy rains leading to flood-like situations in parts of the district.
Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), people said that last evening with rainfall and an increase in water level in the water body flowing underneath the bridge, it started to increase worrying residents.
Later, a portion of the bridge was washed away due to flash floods forcing closure of the bridge.
They also said that officials from both civil and police immediately reached the spot and necessary precautions including diversion of traffic and signboards were installed for the safety of commuters.
An official said they have restored one way traffic and have pressed men and machinery into service to restore the bridge. “We will divert the water and start the process for repairing the damaged portion,” he said.
The official also said that the overflow of the water from Kalaroos cannot be ruled out as well given that many roads have also been damaged there.
Police has also been deployed to regulate the traffic and ensure the safety of everyone there
