Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Chatroo; Schools Shut in Three J&K Districts

In the early hours of Saturday, a cloudburst struck the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district in Jammu and Kashmir, triggering flash floods that caused significant damage to property and disrupted daily life. The incident occurred at around 2.30 a.m., catching residents off guard as water, boulders, and slush gushed into the main market area, inundating shops and houses.

Officials reported that the Kishtwar–Chatroo–Sinthan National Highway was rendered out of bounds due to the debris and flooding. At least two vehicles parked along the banks of a local stream were swept away, while several shops and residential structures were flooded. No loss of life has been reported, according to authorities.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that he spoke with Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma shortly after the reports of the cloudburst emerged. The Minister confirmed that no casualties had been reported and assured that affected shopkeepers and business owners would receive compensation in accordance with government relief norms.

The incident brings back memories of last year's devastating Chasoti cloudburst, which claimed the lives of 63 people, mostly devotees visiting the Machail Mata shrine. Around 30 individuals who went missing after that incident remain untraced. In response to that tragedy, the government has strengthened disaster preparedness in the district.

Mr. Singh highlighted that the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has installed an Early Warning System (EWS) each in Kishtwar and Machhail to improve advance weather monitoring and provide timely alerts during extreme weather events. An automatic weather station is also being installed in the Padder area, he added.

Meanwhile, the persistent rain across the Chenab Valley has prompted authorities to close all government and private schools in Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban districts for the day. The Chief Education Officer in Kishtwar issued the closure order citing heavy rainfall, slippery roads, and the possibility of shooting stones. Similar orders were issued in the adjoining districts, with schools instructed to conduct online classes instead.

Local administration and relief teams are currently assessing the extent of the damage and assisting affected residents. Further updates are expected as the situation evolves.