Heavy rain triggers landslides, flash floods in JK’s Chenab Valley

Kishtwar: Heavy rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods in parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s Chenab Valley on Sunday, burying several vehicles under debris near the 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar district and forcing the closure of the Kishtwar-Doda National Highway (NH-244).

Officials said a major landslide struck the Kwar Hydroelectric Project area after intense rainfall, sending rocks and debris crashing down onto parked vehicles, causing extensive damage. Rescue teams, along with heavy machinery, were deployed to clear the debris and recover the trapped vehicles. Clearance operations were continuing at the site.

The Kwar Hydroelectric Project, situated on the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, is a 540 MW power project being developed under the region’s hydropower expansion programme.

Elsewhere, a flash flood and mudslide blocked the Prem Nagar stretch of NH-244, disrupting traffic between Kishtwar and Doda. Large quantities of debris rendered the highway unsafe, prompting authorities to suspend vehicular movement while restoration work was initiated.

Officials advised commuters to avoid the affected route and follow traffic advisories until the highway is declared safe.

The incidents occurred amid ongoing wet weather across Jammu and Kashmir, with authorities urging residents, particularly those living near vulnerable slopes, rivers and streams, to remain vigilant during periods of heavy rainfall.