Doda flash flood: Thathri devastated, NH-244 blocked, Machail Mata Yatra suspended, LG orders relief

A flash flood triggered by heavy downpours early Tuesday morning caused widespread devastation in Thathri town of Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir. The disaster, which struck in the dead of night, left residents with little time to react. Debris, large boulders and rocks came rushing down from the hills, damaging several houses, shops and vehicles in its path.

When people stepped out in the morning, they found devastation everywhere. Debris was strewn across roads, while several vehicles lay buried under mud and stones. Locals claimed that some vehicles were swept away by the strong current and carried into the Chenab River. However, no casualties have been reported.

The flash flood also blocked National Highway-244 near Thathri, disrupting traffic between Doda and Kishtwar districts. On receiving information about the incident, teams from the district administration, police and other agencies rushed to the spot and launched operations to clear the debris and restore traffic.

Deputy Commissioner Doda, Krishan Lal, said that continuous heavy rainfall had triggered landslides, sending debris and rocks onto the highway at several locations. He said the administration acted promptly to clear the affected roads and restore connectivity.

Urging people not to pay heed to rumours, he clarified that the incident was caused by heavy rainfall and not by a cloudburst. He said the administration is fully alert and continuously monitoring the situation to deal with any emergency. People have been advised to verify information through the district administration or the official control room.

This is the third flash flood incident reported in Doda and Kishtwar districts over the past two days. With continuous rainfall increasing the risk of landslides and debris flows in hilly areas, people have been advised to remain vigilant.

Machail Mata Yatra suspended

The Kishtwar district administration suspended the Shri Machail Mata Yatra following the closure of National Highway-244 due to repeated flash floods and heavy rainfall in Doda and adjoining areas.

According to an advisory issued by the administration, the decision was taken in view of the highway closure.

The administration advised all pilgrims not to undertake the yatra until further orders and urged them to remain at safe locations.

The order came into force with immediate effect. Authorities said the situation is being closely monitored and further decisions will be taken depending on weather conditions.

LG Sinha orders immediate relief

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday directed the Doda district administration to provide immediate relief and assistance to families affected by the flash flood in the Thathri area and ordered the expeditious restoration of damaged infrastructure, including National Highway-244.

The directions were issued after the Lieutenant Governor reviewed the situation with the Deputy Commissioner of Doda to assess the extent of the damage and monitor the ongoing relief and restoration measures.

According to the lieutenant governor, the flash flood caused damage to several residential houses and commercial establishments in the affected area. However, he said that, fortunately, no loss of life or injuries had been reported, describing it as a matter of great relief.

LG Sinha instructed the district administration to ensure that all affected families receive immediate assistance and every possible support without delay. He also emphasised the need to intensify relief and rehabilitation efforts to restore normalcy in the affected areas at the earliest.

The lieutenant governor further directed the concerned departments to expedite the restoration of National Highway-244 and ensure its early reopening to restore connectivity and facilitate the smooth movement of people, emergency services and essential supplies.

He also asked the administration to closely monitor the situation and ensure that relief, rehabilitation and restoration works are carried out on a priority basis to minimise inconvenience to the affected population.

The administration has been directed to remain vigilant and continue coordinated efforts to provide timely assistance and restore public infrastructure in the affected areas as swiftly as possible.