Heavy Rains Trigger Flash Floods in J&K's Doda, Kishtwar; NH-244 Closed

Kishtwar: Relief work has been started after the landslide in Doda of Jammu division. Cloudburst in Kishtwar and Doda districts on Sunday night caused a flood of mud and stones, which buried vehicles and other construction equipment parked near the under-construction Kwar Hydroelectric Project. Its effect was visible on Tuesday as well, National Highway 244 is currently closed. Relief work has been started.

What happen to Doda-Kishtwar highway?

The heavy rain has damaged construction materials. Fortunately, no one was present at the project site at the time of the incident. The Doda-Kishtwar highway has been closed due to mud, rocks, and debris. Officials have arrived at the scene after the incident and began clearing and repairing the road. Officials said the situation is under control.

No other areas in the district reported any similar incidents. According to officials, the cloudburst also caused extensive damage in the upper reaches of Prem Nagar in Doda district. A flood-like situation prevailed in the market.

What about the rescue operation?

A large number of vehicles are buried under debris. Excessive water and debris from a drain adjacent to the market have damaged some houses and a temple in the low-lying area. A cloudburst near the tunnel area of ​​the 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project under construction in Kishtwar has dumped a large amount of mud and rocks into the project area, burying several trucks, dozers, and other construction equipment.

Operations are underway to rescue stranded vehicles and clear debris from the affected area. Travellers are advised to avoid the highway and follow official traffic advisories.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh stated that there were no casualties. Reports of flooding have been received from higher elevations in Reasi district. A portion of the Mantalai-Lati road near Bapp village in Chinani suddenly caved in due to rain, blocking the road.