Pahalgam, July 12: A cloudburst over the upper reaches of Pahalgam triggered flash floods late Saturday evening, inundating several hotels, guest houses and residential buildings in the popular tourist destination, prompting the evacuation of tourists and residents.

Officials said heavy rainfall over the Awoora Dehwathu catchment caused the Awoora stream, locally known as Nala Overa, to swell rapidly and overflow, sending muddy water into nearby hotels, restaurants and residential areas.

Among the affected properties were The Pahalgam Shore, The Pahalgam Dayz, The Idyll and The Pahalgam Stag, where floodwaters entered ground floor areas, damaging rooms, furniture, electrical equipment and other infrastructure. Several other hotels, guest houses and private homes also reported water entering their premises.

Rescue teams comprising district administration officials, police, disaster response personnel and local volunteers swiftly reached the affected areas and evacuated tourists and residents to safer locations. Officials said no casualties or injuries had been reported, while the extent of damage to property was being assessed.

Authorities deployed technical teams from the Flood Control Department to inspect the affected stream, while revenue officials began surveying losses to residential buildings, hotels and public infrastructure. As a precaution, power supply was suspended in several villages, including Awoora, Dehwathu, Laddi and Batkoot, after 11 KV feeders were shut down to prevent electrocution.

The incident occurred amid continuing weather instability across Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities have advised residents, tourists and Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims to remain alert and avoid venturing near streams and flood prone areas during periods of intense rainfall.

Officials said restoration work began after floodwaters started receding. A detailed assessment of the damage is underway, following which appropriate relief and rehabilitation measures will be taken.