Midnight flashflood batters Doda, scores of homes, shops damaged

A massive flashflood triggered by heavy rainfall in Thathri area of Doda district damaged several homes and commercial establishments early on Tuesday after gushing water inundated the locality, leaving residents in distress.

The floodwaters carried debris, including boulders and muck, into houses and shops, causing extensive damage to structures. Eyewitnesses said heavy rain began around midnight, leading to the flooding of a nearby nullah.

The incident comes a day after a landslide, triggered by heavy rainfall, struck near the 540 MW Kwar project in neighbouring Kishtwar district. While no lives were lost, several Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) and machinery were damaged by water and debris.

According to official estimates, the flash flood damaged at least 10-12 houses and more than 20 shops in the area.

Sadiya Nazir, a resident of Thathri, said, “At around 1.30 am, the walls of the nullah collapsed and water, along with huge boulders and muck, entered the area. We were sleeping on the first floor when we heard loud thuds from the ground floor. The debris entered homes and shops, leaving behind a trail of destruction.”

She said she lost valuables, including jewellery, besides furniture kept on the ground floor of her house.

The district administration swung into action early in the morning, with Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal reaching the spot to assess the situation.

The Deputy Commissioner said teams had been constituted to assess the damage. “Many homes and shops have been damaged due to the flashfloods. The Doda-Kishtwar stretch of NH-244 has also been closed and traffic will resume soon. I appeal to people not to begin their journey without checking the road status until the highway is cleared,” he said.

Residents alleged that a local contractor had dumped debris into the nullah, causing it to overflow, despite repeated complaints to the administration. They claimed their appeals to clear the channel were ignored and alleged that nearly 30 vehicles were swept into the Chenab river during the flashflood.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he had spoken to the Deputy Commissioner to assess the situation following the cloudburst in the Thathri region. “While several houses and shops have suffered damage, fortunately no casualties or injuries have been reported. I have directed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure immediate relief and assistance to the affected families and expedite restoration work, including the clearance of NH-244,” he said.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said he was in regular touch with the Deputy Commissioner after receiving reports of the cloudburst in Thathri, which caused substantial damage to property and disrupted road connectivity. “The administration has promptly swung into action and is taking all possible measures to provide relief and restore damaged infrastructure. My office is in constant touch,” the Minister said.