Doda district in Jammu and Kashmir faced devastating flooding due to a cloudburst and heavy rainfall, triggering flash floods and landslides.
Exceptional rainfall in a short period of time resulted in a devastating flash flood and landslides which ripped through a number of villages causing to the deaths of at least four people. Two in a house collapse in Gandoh and two swept away by flash floods in Thathri. In addition to the housing and community facilities that were damaged, there was a major impact on the infrastructure of the area with bridges collapsing and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway closed as a result of a landslide. In addition, the Kishtwar-Doda highway and other roads, including Padder road, were blocked or washed away.
It is reported that Kathua received 155.6 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, the highest in the region, followed by Bhaderwah in Doda at 99.8 mm. The Chenab River overflowed, while the Tawi River in Udhampur crossed the danger mark of 6 metres. The Ravi River and Basanter in Samba also exceeded danger levels, flooding low-lying areas.
Rescue operations involved police, armed forces, and disaster relief teams, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah personally overseeing relief efforts. Emergency funds were released, and district helplines were activated. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for seven districts, including Doda, forecasting heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and flash floods through to 27 August at least. Schools in many areas have been closed.
After experiencing a rainfall defecit in January and February with an average of 79% shortfall over the Jammu and Kashmir region, there has been a shift to intense monsoon activity from June onwards with the Jammu District recording 190.4 mm of rainfall on 24 August — the second-highest single-day August rainfall in nearly a century.
