Kargil, April 21: Life in Ladakh’s Kargil district was severely disrupted over Saturday and Sunday due to heavy rain and snowfall, with flooding reported in several areas.

Residents of Grong Pushkum told us over the phone that the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had carelessly dumped debris along the roadside during the construction and repair of the national highway. During the rain and snowfall, this debris obstructed the water flow, causing water to accumulate and form a temporary lake. When the water eventually overflowed, it flooded the village, severely damaging farmlands. Locals claimed they had previously warned BRO officials about the potential danger and urged them to clear the debris, but no action was taken.

Meanwhile, in Hardass village, mud and rocks came crashing down in flash floods, damaging roads, fields, and irrigation channels. The village head informed our correspondent that the heavy rain had caused significant damage to apricot orchards, which are the primary source of income for local farmers. He demanded the government to compensate for the losses.

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The rain has also damaged roads in multiple areas. Residents of Karchay and Khar Sankoo reported that a major portion of the link road has collapsed, disrupting transportation.

There are also reports of houses collapsing due to the extreme weather. In Umba village, a livestock shed collapsed under heavy snowfall, though fortunately, the animals were rescued in time.

So far, multiple connecting roads in Kargil have been blocked due to landslides triggered by the heavy rain and snowfall. Many areas remain at risk of further snow and rock avalanches, prompting the district magistrate to advise caution and avoid unnecessary travel.

The snowfall has also damaged trees, particularly poplars, while fruit orchards have suffered extensive losses.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecasted improving weather conditions in the coming days.