J&K LG orders relief for cloudburst-affected victims in Doda

Srinagar, July 7 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday directed authorities to provide immediate relief to people affected by the cloudburst in the Thathri area of Doda district.

A press statement from the J&K Lok Bhavan said the Lieutenant Governor has directed the Deputy Commissioner of Doda to provide immediate relief to affected families.

The statement said the J&K L-G is closely monitoring the situation following the cloudburst.

He spoke to Deputy Commissioner Doda, Krishan Lal, and directed him to ensure immediate relief and assistance to the affected families and expedite restoration work.

In a post on X, the J&K L-G said he spoke with the DC Doda 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.

He directed the DC to ensure immediate relief and assistance to the affected families and expedite restoration work, including the clearance of NH-244.

While many shops, residential houses, roads, and other infrastructure were damaged by the cloudburst, no loss of life occurred due to the natural disaster.

Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir has a long, vulnerable history of cloudbursts that trigger devastating flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous pockets like Bhalesa and Thathri. These sudden, intense downpours frequently sweep away local infrastructure, damage homes, and disrupt major transportation routes.

Besides today’s cloudburst, other notable historical events and recurring incidents include a severe cloudburst in August 2025 that struck Doda district, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least four people.

The flash floods swept away several residential houses and pedestrian bridges, prompting widespread relief and rescue operations.

In June 2026, heavy rainfall triggered a localised cloudburst in Bandekhra Nalla near Thathri, resulting in significant debris flow. While there were no casualties, the event caused blockages and prompted authorities to issue localised weather warnings.

In July 2017, one of the most destructive cloudbursts hit Thathri town in the dead of night. The sudden deluge inundated vast areas, washed away several homes and shops, and trapped many residents, resulting in six fatalities.

The mountainous terrain and narrow gorges in Doda amplify the impact of sudden rains, often turning small streams into dangerous, debris-heavy flash floods.

–IANS

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