Three cloudbursts trigger flash floods, road blockades in J&K's Kishtwar & Doda

JAMMU: Two cloudbursts struck J&K’s Kishtwar district, while another occurred in Doda district on Tuesday, triggering flash floods and road blockades in several areas. There were no casualties or property damage, officials said.

One cloudburst each occurred in Sarthal’s Gahan area and Machhipal in Kishtwar. The resulting flash floods, accompanied by heavy debris flows and a landslide near Drabshalla, blocked movement on the Kishtwar-Jammu highway.

The Vrikshshala-Trofik stretch, Vrikshshala Zero Point, Machhipal, Saroor area, and Sarthal village road were hit. The district administration launched restoration operations and issued a weather advisory, warning residents against venturing near vulnerable water bodies.

The third cloudburst struck Bandekhra Nalla in Doda’s Thathri town, triggering flash floods.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh and J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spoke to Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma upon receiving information and were closely monitoring the situation.

Emergency response teams, field staff and specialised teams were directed to remain on high alert, LG Sinha stated, adding that he had directed DCs of both districts to restore roads, highways, and water pipelines. Damage assessments will begin as soon as field verification is complete.