Kishtwar: Heavy rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods in parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s Chenab Valley on Sunday. Several vehicles were buried under debris near the 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar district, forcing the closure of the Kishtwar-Doda National Highway (NH-244).
A video that has gone viral on social media shows the aftermath of a massive landslide triggered by heavy rainfall near the 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar district. The footage captures several vehicles buried under thick mud, rocks and debris, with many sustaining extensive damage. Authorities have launched debris clearance operations using heavy machinery to retrieve the trapped vehicles and restore the affected area.
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.
