A significant flash flood, fueled by intense rainfall, struck the Thathri area of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir early Tuesday morning, causing extensive damage to numerous residential homes and commercial establishments. The sudden inundation left residents in a state of distress as gushing waters, laden with debris including boulders and mud, swept through the locality.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the heavy downpour commenced around midnight, leading to the overflow of a nearby nullah. The deluge brought with it a torrent of debris, which infiltrated houses and shops, resulting in substantial structural damage. The incident occurred just a day after a separate landslide, also attributed to heavy rainfall, impacted a project site in the neighboring Kishtwar district. While no fatalities were reported in either event, the landslide caused damage to heavy motor vehicles and machinery.
Official estimates compiled by Tahir Rihat suggest that the flash flood directly impacted between 10 to 12 houses and over 20 shops in the affected Thathri region. Sadiya Nazir, a local resident, recounted the terrifying experience, stating, “At around 1.30 am, the walls of the nullah collapsed and water, along with huge boulders and muck, entered the area. We were sleeping on the first floor when we heard loud thuds from the ground floor. The debris entered homes and shops, leaving behind a trail of destruction.” Nazir further detailed the loss of personal valuables, including jewelry and furniture stored on the ground floor of her residence.
The district administration mobilized swiftly following the incident, with Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal arriving at the scene to conduct an on-site assessment of the damage. Information reaching Tahir Rihat indicates that the Deputy Commissioner has confirmed the formation of assessment teams tasked with evaluating the extent of the damage. He also stated that the Doda-Kishtwar stretch of National Highway-244 has been temporarily closed due to the floodwaters and debris, with efforts underway to resume traffic as soon as possible. The Deputy Commissioner issued an appeal to the public, urging them to verify road conditions before commencing journeys until the highway is cleared.
Residents of Thathri have voiced allegations that a local contractor had previously dumped debris into the nullah, contributing to its overflow. They claim that despite repeated complaints lodged with the administration regarding the accumulation of debris and the potential for flooding, their appeals to clear the channel were disregarded. Some residents further alleged that approximately 30 vehicles were swept away into the Chenab River during the flash flood.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed that he had been in communication with the Deputy Commissioner to ascertain the situation following the cloudburst in the Thathri region. (According to the Lieutenant Governor’s office, “While several houses and shops have suffered damage, fortunately no casualties or injuries have been reported. I have directed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure immediate relief and assistance to the affected families and expedite restoration work, including the clearance of NH-244.”) The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need for swift relief measures and the prompt restoration of damaged infrastructure.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh also stated that he was in continuous contact with the Deputy Commissioner after receiving reports of the cloudburst in Thathri. (Dr. Jitendra Singh’s office reported that he was “in regular touch with the Deputy Commissioner after receiving reports of the cloudburst in Thathri, which caused substantial damage to property and disrupted road connectivity.”) The Minister added that the administration had promptly initiated response measures and was actively engaged in providing relief and undertaking restoration of the damaged infrastructure, with his office maintaining constant communication.
The flash flood event in Doda underscores the vulnerability of communities in hilly regions to extreme weather phenomena and the critical importance of maintaining natural water channels free from obstruction. The incident also highlights the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms to mitigate the impact of such natural calamities on lives and livelihoods. The ongoing assessment of damage and the subsequent relief efforts will be crucial in helping the affected residents of Thathri recover from the devastating event.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.