Nature’s fury hits Doda again, damages homes, buries vehicles

Jammu, Jul 7: Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in the Thathri area of Jammu’s Doda district early Tuesday, damaging houses, shops and vehicles, blocking the Doda-Kishtwar National Highway (NH-244) and disrupting normal life.
The latest incident is the third flash flood to hit the twin districts of Doda and Kishtwar in the past two days following incessant rainfall over the mountainous Chenab Valley region.
An official said that heavy rain lashed the upper reaches of Thathri around 1.15 am, triggering flash floods that carried huge boulders, mud and debris into the town.
Several residential houses and commercial establishments suffered partial damage after mudslides and debris engulfed the area.
A number of vehicles parked along the roadside were buried under mud and rocks, while locals claimed that some vehicles were washed away into the Chenab River.
However, officials said the exact number of affected vehicles and the overall extent of the damage were yet to be assessed.
The flash floods also blocked the Doda-Kishtwar National Highway at Thathri after debris accumulated on the road, disrupting vehicular movement. Restoration of the highway has been taken up on priority, officials said.
An official present in the affected area said the heavy rain began suddenly during the early hours, prompting security personnel to alert everyone immediately.
“After a short while, debris accumulated behind our building, piled onto the roof and broke through it, causing water to gush inside the barracks. There has been no loss of life or injuries. Government property has suffered significant damage, but our weapons, ammunition and personnel are safe as they were evacuated in time,” the official said.
He said rescue teams assisted local residents and were assessing the damage to determine the next course of action.
“The losses run into crores of rupees. Massive boulders and heavy debris have rolled down from the hills, and clearing them will take a long time. The road towards Kishtwar is likely to remain blocked for at least the next two days,” he added.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said he had spoken to Doda Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal soon after receiving information about the cloudburst.
“I am keeping in regular touch with the Deputy Commissioner after receiving reports of the cloudburst in the Thathri region, which has caused substantial damage to property and road connectivity. However, there has been no loss of life. The administration has promptly swung into action and is taking all possible measures to provide relief and restore damaged infrastructure. My office remains in constant touch,” Singh said.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also reviewed the situation with the Deputy Commissioner and directed the district administration to ensure immediate relief to affected families.
“While several houses and shops have suffered damage, fortunately no casualties or injuries have been reported. I have directed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure immediate relief and assistance to the affected families and expedite restoration work, including clearance of NH-244,” Sinha said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said no rainfall was recorded at most weather stations between 8.30 am and 5.30 pm on Tuesday, though Gulmarg received 0.4 mm rainfall.
During the previous 24 hours ending at 8.30 am, Katra recorded the highest rainfall at 39.6 mm, followed by Gulmarg (8.8 mm), Banihal (5.5 mm), Kukernag (2.8 mm), Pahalgam (2.2 mm), Qazigund (2 mm), Batote (1.7 mm), Jammu (0.2 mm), while Srinagar and Bhaderwah recorded only trace rainfall.
According to the IMD, Jammu was the hottest place in the Union Territory on Tuesday with a maximum temperature of 37.9 degrees Celsius, 2.5 degrees above normal. Katra recorded 33.6 degrees Celsius, Kupwara 32 degrees, Srinagar 30.6 degrees, Banihal 30.8 degrees, Qazigund 30.4 degrees, Kukernag 29.6 degrees, Batote 29.5 degrees, Bhaderwah 29.2 degrees, Pahalgam 25.5 degrees and Gulmarg 22 degrees Celsius.
Night temperatures settled at 26.1 degrees Celsius in Jammu, 20.4 degrees in Srinagar and Katra, 19.1 degrees in Batote, 18.3 degrees in Kupwara, 17.8 degrees in Bhaderwah, 17.5 degrees each in Qazigund and Banihal, 16.7 degrees in Kukernag, 15.1 degrees in Pahalgam and 11 degrees Celsius in Gulmarg.
The Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, has forecast light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, with heavy rain and brief intense showers expected at a few places in the Jammu division, particularly during late night and early morning hours.
Many areas of Kashmir division are also likely to receive light to moderate rainfall with brief intense showers at isolated places during the afternoon and early morning hours.
The weather office has predicted light to moderate rain and thundershowers at many places on July 9 and 10, accompanied by brief intense heavy showers at a few locations. Similar conditions are expected on July 11 and 12, with isolated heavy rainfall.
The MeT department has warned of heavy rainfall and brief intense showers at a few places on July 7-8 and again on July 11.
It also cautioned about the possibility of flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations in the Chenab Valley and Pir Panjal range, advising people to stay away from streams, nallahs and landslide-prone areas. (KNO)