Cloudburst, heavy rains kill 4 in Doda; schools shut, flood alert in Jammu

Doda: At least four people were killed and several houses damaged after heavy rains and a cloudburst struck Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Tuesday, triggering flash floods and landslides across the region.

Two people died after their house collapsed, while two others were swept away in flash floods caused by the sudden downpour, reports said quoting officials. More than 10 houses were reported damaged in low-lying areas of Doda, forcing authorities to step up rescue and relief operations.

The cloudburst in Doda came close on the heels of similar incidents in Kathua and Kishtwar. The Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kathua, Samba, Doda, Jammu, Ramban and Kishtwar till at least August 27, cautioning against cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in high-altitude areas.

Authorities have ordered the closure of all government and private schools across Jammu division due to the inclement weather. Traffic along the Srinagar-Jammu highway has been suspended after landslides and shooting stones blocked several stretches.

River Tawi is flowing above the danger mark, and officials warned of a further rise in water levels through the night. “A flood alert has been sounded in the Jammu region, and people are advised to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas,” a senior official said.

In Kashmir Valley, southern districts received moderate to heavy rain, while higher reaches saw heavy downpours. Central Kashmir reported light to moderate showers, while north Kashmir remained relatively dry. Though no flood alert was issued for river Jhelum, authorities confirmed that water levels were steadily increasing.

The administration said rescue and relief teams have been placed on alert across vulnerable areas as the region braces for more rain.