environment

Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Doda: Houses Damaged, Highway Blocked

Published on: 07 Jul 2026, 07:00 PM

Doda, Jammu and Kashmir: A cloudburst early Tuesday triggered flash floods and mudslides in Thathri town of Doda district, damaging several residential structures and blocking key roads, including the vital Doda-Kishtwar highway.

Heavy rainfall began around 2:30 am, leading to the flooding of Thathri market. Several houses were buried under boulders, mud, and debris. Multiple vehicles were damaged or washed away. No injuries have been reported, according to district administration officials.

The National Highway 244 between Doda and Kishtwar was blocked at multiple points due to landslides, prompting authorities to suspend traffic for the second consecutive day. Restoration teams have been deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity.

Doda Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal said response teams had cleared a secondary hill slope in Thathri's Prem Nagar area and removed debris from the Bagna link road and Chiralla tehsil. Efforts are now focused on restoring NH-244.

The district administration issued an advisory urging residents to remain calm and follow official weather warnings. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh stated on social media that he was in touch with Deputy Commissioner Lal regarding relief and restoration. Damage assessment is ongoing.

Source: Times of India

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