Flash flood damages several Doda houses

Jammu, July 20

Several structures, including a private school, were severely damaged due to flash floods triggered by heavy rain in mountainous Doda district on Wednesday. A few structures are said to have got washed away. After the flash flood occurred in Kahara tehsil of the district, Doda Deputy Commissioner Vikas Sharma, along with SSP Abdul Qayoom and other officials, rushed to the spot and took stock of the damages. No loss of life has been reported.

Over 15 structures have been damaged. The building housing Government Tourist Reception Centre has received partial damages. A district spokesperson said assessment of the loss was underway.

The DC directed the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) and other officials concerned to assess and report the damages to ensure timely relief.

Sharma also directed the local administration to ensure immediate restoration of the roads and other facilities hit due to the cloudburst.

The administration has urged the local residents to remain vigilant during the ongoing rainy season and avoid going near waterbodies.

On July 9, another flash flood when mudslides and slush had blocked most of the roads in Thathri.

Highway reopened

The Jammu-Srinagar highway was reopened on Wednesday following a brief blockade caused by mudslides amid heavy rain in Ramban. Hundreds of vehicles were halted.