Jammu: A sudden cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Tuesday unleashed flash floods that damaged more than ten houses and triggered panic in the affected villages. Fortunately, officials confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far.
The incident occurred amid an intense spell of rain across the Jammu region, with the Meteorological Department warning of heavy to very heavy showers in Kathua, Samba, Jammu, Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar districts over the next 24 hours.
Authorities said the Tawi River is flowing above the danger mark, raising concerns of further flooding as rainfall continues. “A flood alert has been issued in Jammu division, and residents are strictly advised to stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone slopes,” a senior official said.
In response to the deteriorating weather, the administration ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the Jammu division for the day.
In the Kashmir valley, the southern districts bore the brunt of the showers, with heavy rain lashing the higher reaches. While the Jhelum river has not yet crossed danger levels, officials expect water to rise if the downpour persists. Central Kashmir recorded moderate rainfall, while northern districts experienced only light rain or remained dry.
According to rainfall data, Kathua district received the heaviest downpour with 155.6 mm in the last 24 hours ending 8:30 a.m. Monday. This was followed by Bhaderwah in Doda (99.8 mm), Jammu (81.5 mm), and Katra (68.8 mm).
The administration has deployed rescue and relief teams in vulnerable zones, warning of possible cloudbursts, flash flood,s and landslides in high-altitude regions until at least August 27. Officials said round-the-clock monitoring is underway to ensure timely evacuation if conditions worsen.
