J&K: Cloudburst Devastates Doda’s Thathri, Flash Floods Damage Houses, Vehicles; NH-244 Closed

Jammu, July 7: A cloudburst followed by heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and mudslides in Thathri town of Doda district during the early hours of Tuesday, damaging houses, shops, vehicles and public infrastructure while forcing the closure of the Doda-Kishtwar National Highway (NH-244), officials said.

The cloudburst struck around 2:30 a.m., sending torrents of water, mud, boulders and debris through several localities of Thathri. The flash floods inundated residential areas and the main market, causing extensive damage to commercial establishments, homes and parked vehicles. Several vehicles were reportedly washed away in the deluge.

Officials said mud, water and debris entered numerous houses, leaving residents struggling to salvage their belongings and clear the wreckage. Several families were forced to remain outdoors after their homes were rendered unsafe.

The incessant rain also triggered landslides and mudslides at multiple locations along the Doda-Kishtwar National Highway (NH-244), disrupting vehicular movement and cutting off the vital road link.

Restoration teams have been deployed to clear debris and reopen the highway, while district administration and police personnel are assessing the extent of the damage and monitoring the situation.

Officials said there were no immediate reports of any injuries or loss of life.

Authorities said the exact scale of destruction is still being ascertained.

Earlier, cloudbursts had also struck the Bhalessa area of Doda district and near the 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar district, highlighting the increasing impact of intense weather events across the Chenab region. (Agencies)