Fresh Floods Reopen 2014 Wounds In Kashmir

Srinagar- As the Jhelum breached its embankments on Wednesday–Thursday night, thousands of residents across Srinagar, Pulwama, Pampore, and other parts of South Kashmir were plunged into fear, recalling the devastation of the 2014 floods. The sudden rise in water levels left homes, streets, and fields submerged, prompting frantic efforts to safeguard lives and belongings.

Residents gathered along the river bunds, watching anxiously as the swollen Jhelum roared like a monster.“We couldn't sleep. Every hour, we came out to see if the water had crossed the bund,” said Shabir Ahmad, a resident of Lasjan.“No one had the courage to close their eyes.”

“It feels like 2014 all over again. We couldn't sleep at night, constantly checking the river levels,” said Irfan Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Rajbagh, one of the worst-hit areas during the 2014 deluge.

Haleema, a mother of three from Soiteng, added,“My children kept asking, 'Will our house also drown?' I had no answer.”

The floodwaters rekindled memories of September 2014, when the valley experienced one of its worst natural disasters in recent history. Homes were submerged, thousands of vehicles were lost, and livelihoods destroyed.“Watching the river rise now feels like reliving that nightmare,” said Abdul Gani, a schoolteacher from Pampore.

MENAFN04092025000215011059ID1110019425