Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district was hit by a devastating cloudburst on [insert date if available], triggering flash floods that left four people dead and several others missing. The disaster caused widespread destruction, damaging more than ten houses and washing away a major road in the district after a river overflowed its banks.
Authorities confirmed that some pilgrims on the Vaishno Devi Yatra were among those affected, prompting restrictions on the pilgrimage. Meanwhile, the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway has been closed as a precaution following landslides and heavy flooding, while the Tawi river also breached its banks.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had earlier issued warnings of heavy rainfall across several districts including Kathua, Samba, Doda, Jammu, Ramban, and Kishtwar. In response to the worsening situation, the government declared a holiday for all schools, both private and government-run.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation as “serious” and convened an emergency review meeting. A flood warning has been issued in the Jammu region, and residents have been urged to move away from water bodies and landslide-prone zones.
Rescue and relief teams are on high alert, with search operations underway to trace those missing. Authorities have also deployed additional personnel to assist with evacuations and provide relief to affected families.
