Army, Police Rescue 34 Students, Staff from Flash Flood-Hit School in Watergam; Swift Action Averts Tragedy
Srinagar, March 31: In a prompt and coordinated rescue operation, the Indian Army and Sopore Police on Tuesday successfully evacuated 34 students and staff members trapped inside a government school in Watergam, Rafiabad, after a sudden flash flood inundated the area following incessant rainfall.
The rescued individuals comprised 30 students and 4 teachers.
According to official sources, continuous and intense rainfall since early morning led to a sudden and significant rise in the water level of Hamli Nallah at around 11:00 AM, resulting in flash floods and inundation of adjoining areas. The Government High School (Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya), located near the Trauma Hospital in Watergam Dangiwacha, was among the worst affected, with floodwaters entering the school premises.
Students and staff residing in the hostel were left stranded as all access routes were cut off due to rapidly rising water levels. Officials described the situation as extremely critical, with strong currents posing an imminent threat to the safety of those trapped inside.
Local residents immediately alerted the nearest Army unit, seeking urgent intervention. Responding without delay, Army personnel launched a rescue operation on humanitarian grounds. Simultaneously, Sopore Police mobilized teams to the site on the directions of the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sopore. Personnel from the Army’s 32 Rashtriya Rifles unit also joined the operation.
Braving inclement weather and hazardous conditions, the joint rescue teams carried out a meticulous evacuation operation, risking their lives to ensure the safety of the stranded individuals. After several hours of sustained efforts, all 34 students and staff members were successfully evacuated to safer locations without any reported injuries.
The timely and decisive intervention by the Army and police averted a potential tragedy. Local residents lauded the swift response and professionalism of the rescue teams, stating that the situation could have turned catastrophic had there been any delay.
Authorities confirmed that the situation in the area continues to be closely monitored. Residents, particularly those living near streams and nallahs, have been advised to remain vigilant and adhere to safety precautions.
Meanwhile, the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Sopore, Shabir Ahmad Raina (JKAS), along with senior civil and police officials, visited the site and personally supervised the rescue operation. Speaking to UNS, the ADC stated that floodwaters had entered the school premises while students and staff were present, necessitating immediate action. He added that the coordinated efforts of the Army, police, and civil administration ensured the safe evacuation of all those trapped.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Sopore, Iftikhar Talib, said that police teams were rushed to the scene immediately upon receiving information and actively participated in the rescue efforts. “By the grace of Almighty, all the children are safe,” he stated.
