Another cloudburst in Jammu & Kashmir leaves 4 persons dead

Srinagar: At least four people were killed in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday after a cloudburst triggered flash floods and damaged several houses, even as authorities sounded fresh alerts for extreme weather across the Union Territory (UT).

Officials said that two victims died when their house collapsed under heavy rains, while two others were swept away by sudden flash floods in another part of the district.

“There has been considerable damage to residential structures and other property in several areas. The district administration is on high alert, and rescue and relief operations are underway,” an official spokesperson said.

The incident marks the third major weather-related tragedy in less than two weeks in the Jammu region. On August 13, a devastating cloudburst struck a remote village in Kishtwar district, killing over 65 people and leaving dozens missing. Entire hamlets were flattened as flash floods swept away temporary shelters, livestock and agricultural land. Rescue operations continued for days, with authorities terming it one of the worst natural disasters to hit the district in recent years.

Just four days later, on August 17, another cloudburst wreaked havoc in Jod Ghati village of Kathua district. At least seven people, including four children, lost their lives, while several others sustained injuries. The tragedy compounded fears of a dangerous monsoon season, highlighting the vulnerability of Himalayan districts to sudden, extreme weather events.

The Meteorological Department (IMD) has now warned of the possibility of more cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in high-altitude areas of Jammu division until at least August 27. The grim forecast has put administrations in several districts on edge.

In Kathua, officials reported that water levels in the Taranah River, Ujh River, Maggar Khad, Sahar Khad, Ravi River, and their tributaries were rising simultaneously and nearing the danger mark. “We are keeping close watch on vulnerable spots. Evacuation plans are in place in case of overflow,” an official said.

Incessant rains have swollen major rivers across Jammu, with the Tawi and Ravi now flowing above the danger mark. The worsening situation has also forced the temporary suspension of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra in Katra, where heavy rainfall and the threat of landslides made movement along the pilgrimage route unsafe. Shrine Board officials said the yatra would resume only after weather conditions improve.

Transport links have been badly hit as well. The Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, the Valley’s only all-weather road, was closed following shooting stones in Ramban district, while heavy snowfall at Zojila Pass led to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh highway. Snowfall was also reported in parts of Ladakh and the higher reaches of Bandipora district in north Kashmir.

Taking note of the worsening crisis, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting on flood preparedness. He directed every department to remain in full readiness and placed additional funds at the disposal of deputy commissioners for emergency relief.

In a post on X, Abdullah wrote: “The situation in many parts of Jammu province is quite serious. I’ll be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation.”

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and avoid venturing into rivers and overflowing streams. Disaster response teams remain on standby across the region as rains continue to lash Jammu and Kashmir.