Heavy rains trigger flash floods in Doda, damage houses and roads

JAMMU: Torrential rainfall triggered flash floods and mudslides in Thathri town of J&K’s Doda district early Tuesday, extensively damaging residential structures and roads, including portions of the Doda-Kishtwar highway, the region’s arterial link.Heavy showers lashed the town around 2.30am. “Thathri market suffered substantial damage, with several houses buried under boulders, mud and debris. Many vehicles were damaged or washed away,” said an official source, adding that nobody was injured.The national highway between Doda and Kishtwar (NH-244) was again blocked at multiple spots due to landslides, prompting authorities to suspend vehicular traffic on the second consecutive day. “Restoration teams have been pressed into service to clear the debris and restore traffic on the highway,” the source said.Doda Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal said response teams had cleared a secondary hill slope in Thathri’s Prem Nagar area, removed debris on Bagna link road and Chiralla tehsil, and were focused on restoring NH-244.The district administration issued an advisory, urging citizens to remain calm and stay updated about official weather warnings. Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh, in an X post, stated that he was in touch with DC Lal regarding relief and restoration efforts. Sources said the district administration was monitoring the situation and damage assessment was underway.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.