- Cloudburst caused flash floods in Kishtwar, damaging homes.
- Markets inundated, road connectivity disrupted, schools closed valley-wide.
- Flash flooding also hit Shopian; minister reviewed, no casualties.
A cloudburst triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district early Saturday, inundating markets, damaging homes and disrupting road connectivity, while authorities ordered the closure of schools across the Chenab Valley amid continuing heavy rainfall.
The cloudburst struck the Chatroo area around 2.30 a.m., sending torrents of water, mud and debris through the area. Rescue and relief operations were launched immediately, with officials confirming that no casualties or injuries had been reported.
Flash Floods Damage Market, Homes
Officials said the sudden deluge buried parts of the main market under boulders, mud and slush, inundating several shops and houses. At least two vehicles parked along the bank of a local stream were swept away.
The Kishtwar-Chatroo-Sinthan National Highway was rendered impassable following the flash floods, while authorities began assessing the damage and clearing debris.
Police, civil administration and emergency response teams rushed to the affected area soon after the incident to assist residents and restore normalcy.
Schools Shut Across Chenab Valley
Persistent rainfall disrupted normal life across the Chenab Valley, prompting authorities to close all government and private schools in Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts.
Officials directed educational institutions to conduct online classes for the day.
In Kishtwar, the Chief Education Officer cited heavy rainfall, slippery roads and the risk of falling rocks as reasons for suspending classroom teaching.
Weather Warning Had Forecast Heavy Rain
The cloudburst occurred amid widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir after the weather department warned of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, mudslides and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.
The department has forecast more rain across the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region until August 5, with isolated heavy showers expected to increase the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
Authorities have advised residents, particularly those living near rivers, streams and landslide-prone slopes, to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel.
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Shopian Also Hit By Flash Flooding
In a separate rain-related incident, heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Pahalpora village of Shopian district, where water and mud entered several homes.
Officials said five houses and a school building were flooded after a cloudburst-like event triggered a strong flow of water and debris.
Personnel from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Shopian Police carried out evacuation and rescue operations, safely shifting affected residents. No casualties were reported.
Union Minister Reviews Situation
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he spoke to Kishtwar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma soon after receiving reports of the cloudburst.
Singh said there had been no loss of life and assured that affected shopkeepers and business owners would receive compensation in accordance with government relief norms.
He said disaster preparedness in the district had been strengthened following the 2025 Chasoti cloudburst, which claimed 63 lives, mostly pilgrims travelling to the Machail Mata shrine, while around 30 people remain missing.
According to the minister, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has since installed Early Warning Systems (EWS) in Kishtwar and Machail, while an automatic weather station is being set up in the Padder area to improve weather monitoring and provide timely alerts during extreme weather events.
ALSO READ: Kerala Rains: 3 Killed In Landslides, Several Feared Trapped As Floods Batter Idukki, Kottayam
