Zinpora Residents Recall Midnight Flood Panic

SRINAGAR: Residents of Zinpora in Pampore were forced to flee their homes in the early hours of Wednesday after the river Jhelum breached into the locality around 2:30 am, submerging houses and streets.

Locals said that they first heard three loud bangs, believed to be from a bund breakage, before water gushed into the area. “It was like the river roared at us,” said a woman, standing outside her waterlogged home.

Within minutes, the locality was inundated. Families rushed out in panic, carrying children and essentials, unsure where to go. Another woman recalled barely managing to save her children before half of her house went underwater.

Residents described the night as chaotic, with people shouting warnings in the dark and seeking higher ground. Some spent the night outdoors, while others helped evacuate elderly neighbours and move belongings to safety.

Authorities later arrived with rescue teams to assist evacuations and provide relief. The QRT of 55 Rashtriya Rifles, supported by police, the State Disaster Response Force, and other officials, distributed food and essentials while carrying out rescue operations. (KNO)