Flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir: Doda-Kishtwar highway damaged, vehicles buried under debris

Heavy overnight rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides across parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, damaging a key highway, disrupting traffic and burying several vehicles under mud and debris in Doda and Kishtwar districts.

The extreme weather conditions left sections of the Doda-Kishtwar highway affected after floodwaters carrying mud, rocks and boulders swept across the route. Authorities suspended traffic on the road after a portion of the highway suffered damage, cutting off movement between the two districts until restoration work is completed.

Several vehicles parked along the roadside near Prem Nagar were engulfed by debris as floodwaters surged through the area. Officials said no casualties or injuries were reported despite the widespread damage.

The impact of the rainfall was also felt in neighbouring Kishtwar district, where flash floods and mudslides struck the area around the under-construction 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project. Large volumes of mud and boulders were washed into the project site, damaging equipment and disrupting ongoing construction activities.

According to officials, multiple vehicles, including trucks, dozers and other heavy machinery, were buried under debris or suffered extensive damage. Construction materials stored at the site were also affected. Teams have been deployed to clear the debris, recover trapped vehicles and assess the losses caused by the flooding.

The latest incidents come amid a spell of intense monsoon activity across the Jammu region. Minor flash flood events were also reported from some high-altitude areas of Reasi district following continuous rainfall.

Authorities had earlier warned of heavy rain, thunderstorms, flash floods and landslides in vulnerable parts of Jammu and Kashmir, advising residents to remain cautious, especially in areas located near streams, nallahs and hill slopes prone to sudden flooding.

Meteorological data showed widespread rainfall across the region during the 24-hour period ending Monday morning. Samba recorded the highest rainfall at 90 mm, followed by Kathua at 66.2 mm. Katra received 44.4 mm, while Doda recorded 42 mm. Jammu city and Udhampur received 41.8 mm and 40.6 mm respectively. Bhaderwah registered 33.6 mm, Kishtwar 24 mm and Reasi 10.5 mm.

Officials said road restoration and debris clearance operations are underway in the affected districts. Commuters have been urged to follow traffic advisories and avoid travel on vulnerable routes until conditions stabilise.

With PTI inputs