Heavy rains and cloudburst incidents have once again wreaked havoc in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. A sudden cloudburst in the Thathri sub-division of the district has resulted in the collapse of more than 10 houses, and three deaths have been confirmed.
Srinagar: A cloudburst incident in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir has once again caused devastation. More than 10 houses have been destroyed in this natural disaster. Due to continuous heavy rains in the district, incidents such as landslides, soil erosion, and falling rocks have occurred, causing large-scale damage in the area. As a result, many connecting roads and sections of the national highway have been closed, making it difficult for people to move around and for emergency assistance to reach them.
Landslides Close Parts of National Highway NH-244
Doda district has been experiencing continuous heavy rainfall for the past three days. This has led to incidents of landslides, soil erosion, and falling rocks. Due to these incidents, several connecting roads and parts of National Highway NH-244 have been closed. Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh reported that cloudburst incidents have occurred at two locations along the Chenab River. Following the cloudburst, water flowed onto the NH-244 route, and restoration work has been initiated by the administration.
- Residential Houses: Approximately 15 houses have been damaged.
- Cowsheds: Several cowsheds have also suffered heavy damage.
- Health Center: A private health center has also been damaged.
- Bridges: Three pedestrian bridges have been washed away, affecting the movement of local people.
- River Level: The water level of the Chenab River has reached close to its highest level of 900 feet. Currently, it is at 899.3 meters, which means the river is only about a quarter of a meter away from the danger mark.
The Deputy Commissioner warned that if the rain continues in the same way and the river level rises further, there is a possibility of breaching the HFL (High Flood Level). The administration has restricted the movement of people around the Chenab River and on roads adjacent to the river and is relocating them to safer places.
Heavy Loss of Life and Property
In this cloudburst incident, two people were found dead in Gandoh and one in Thathri subdivision. The administration has immediately started relief and rescue operations. Local police and disaster management teams have reached the affected areas and are moving people to safe locations. Electricity and communication lines have also been affected in many areas of Doda, making it challenging for the administration and relief team to work.
Earlier, cloudburst and landslide incidents have also occurred in Kishtwar and Thrali in Doda and surrounding areas. This area is often prone to disasters during the rainy season. The administration has issued a warning that citizens should avoid going to riverbanks and vulnerable areas.
