MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): As a result of the recent heavy rain in AJK, a total of 76 houses have been damaged so far, out of which 18 have been completely destroyed and 58 have been partially affected, while 6 shops have also been completely collapsed, according to a report released by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
Districts Haveli, Poonch, Sidhnoti, Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Jhelum Valley and Neelum are among the most affected districts. Several villages in Kotli and Haveli districts have been badly affected, while the complete destruction of four houses and three shops in Poonch has been confirmed.
On the other hand, according to the overall damage report released since June 1, 193 houses, 23 shops, 6 livestock, and several commercial and agricultural assets have been affected.
Nine people have died and 19 have been injured in different districts. Several important roads, bridges and water mills have also been destroyed in Muzaffarabad, Jhelum Valley and Neelum, while 6 houses in Muzaffarabad are at risk of landslides.
According to the report, all main routes of Azad Kashmir are currently open for traffic, while the water level in rivers Jhelum, Neelum and Poonch is continuously rising, due to which there is a risk of further flooding.
The Meteorological Department has predicted more rain and strong winds in different parts of Azad Kashmir in the next 24 hours.
Relief agencies, local administration and the public have been instructed to remain alert for emergencies and stay away from low-lying areas.
Earlier, The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of possible risks of flooding, landslides, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) due to monsoon rains in various parts of the country till July 25.
According to the NDMA spokesperson, there is a risk of landslides and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in the northern areas, particularly in Gilgit Baltistan and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The affected areas include Reshwan, Breep, Boni, Sardar Gol, Thallu, Hanarchi, Darkot, and Ishkoman.
The disaster authority also warned of a significant rise in water levels in the Indus, Jhelum, Chenab, and Kabul rivers, while low to medium flooding is expected at Marala, Khanki and Qadirabad on the Chenab.
Increased water flow is anticipated in the upper catchment of Mangla on the Jhelum River and at Nowshera on the Kabul River. Water levels are also likely to rise at Tarbela, Kalabagh, Chashma, Taunsa, and Guddu barrages on the Indus River, the NDMA said.
The spokesperson further stated that there is a risk of flooding in the Swat River, Panjkora, and other rivers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while in Gilgit-Baltistan, there may be a flood in the Hunza River, Shigar, and other rivers.
There is also a risk of flash floods in the streams of Shimshal, Hoshe, Saltoro, and adjacent areas.