Srinagar, May 7 (IANS): The Phutkal artificial lake in Jammu and Kashmir's Kargil district burst on Thursday, even as officials said all the people living downstream had been shifted to safety.

"Phutkal artificial lake suddenly burst at 8 a.m. today and the released water has washed away some bridges downstream," a district administration official told IANS.

"We have shifted people living in downstream areas to safety and there is no apprehension of loss of life. But the damage to property and land will have to be seen," the official added.

The released water, as per officials, is yet to reach the small town of Padum, the headquarters of Zanskar sub-division of Kargil district.

Phutkal artificial lake was created five months ago by landslides during winter.

Reports said people, who have abandoned their homes in Padum, are anxious and helplessly waiting to see what damage the huge released water from the burst lake causes.

Teams from the central and state disaster management authorities had visited the artificial lake and even released the accumulated water marginally to bring down the threat to downstream areas.