Four people lost their lives after a cloudburst in Doda district of Jammu Kashmir on Tuesday, sparking flash floods that swept away homes and roads. The disaster followed similar events in Kathua and Kishtwar, highlighting the worsening impact of extreme rainfall in the region.
The sudden downpour damaged over 10 houses and washed away a key road in Doda after a stream overflowed. Authorities suspended traffic along the Jammu–Srinagar national highway due to landslides and shooting stones. The River Tawi surged past danger levels, with officials warning of a further rise overnight.
The meteorological department reported heavy rainfall across Kathua (155.6 mm), Bhaderwah (99.8 mm), Jammu (81.5 mm) and Katra (68.8 mm) during the past 24 hours. Schools across the Jammu division were closed as a precaution.
Rescue teams remain on high alert with the possibility of more cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides until August 27. Over the weekend, Jammu logged 190.4 mm rain in 24 hours—the second-highest August rainfall in a century.
In Kashmir, southern districts faced heavy showers, though no flood alert was issued for the Jhelum river. Officials urged residents to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas.
