Flash Floods Damage Doda-Kishtwar Highway and Kwar Project Site
Incessant overnight rainfall on Monday triggered flash floods that severely damaged the Doda-Kishtwar highway in Jammu and Kashmir, disrupting vehicular traffic and burying several vehicles near the under-construction 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project. The incident occurred in the hilly districts of Doda and Kishtwar.
Huge quantities of mud, boulders, and debris were deposited on the highway, rendering it impassable. Officials reported that a portion of the road was damaged, forcing the suspension of all traffic. Several vehicles parked along the roadside at Prem Nagar were trapped under the flood debris. However, no loss of life or injuries were reported, according to officials.
Clearance Operations Underway
Authorities have launched road clearance and restoration work to reopen the highway. Commuters have been advised to avoid the route and follow official traffic advisories until the road is fully cleared and deemed safe for travel.
In neighbouring Kishtwar district, heavy rainfall also triggered a major landslide and mudslide near the tunnel area of the under-construction 540 MW Kwar hydroelectric power project. Flash floods carried large volumes of mud and boulders into the project area, burying several vehicles, including trucks, dozers, and other construction equipment, besides damaging construction material.
Vehicles Buried, Equipment Damaged at Kwar Project
Officials confirmed that multiple vehicles sustained extensive damage and remain trapped under the debris. Clearance operations are underway to retrieve the stranded vehicles and restore the affected site. The extent of damage to construction material is being assessed.
Minor flash flood incidents were also reported from high-altitude areas of Reasi district, officials added. The administration had earlier issued a weather advisory warning of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, flash floods, and landslides in vulnerable areas of Jammu and Kashmir, urging people, particularly those living near riverbanks and nallahs, to remain alert and avoid unsafe locations.
Rainfall Data: Samba Records Highest Precipitation
According to the Meteorological department, Samba recorded the highest rainfall in the Jammu region during the previous 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Monday, with 90 mm. Other rainfall totals include Kathua (66.2 mm), Katra (44.4 mm), Doda (42 mm), Jammu (41.8 mm), Udhampur (40.6 mm), Bhaderwah (33.6 mm), Kishtwar (24 mm), Reasi (10.5 mm), Batote (4.7 mm), Ramban (4.5 mm), and Banihal (0.4 mm).
