No loss of human life, livestock
Sanjeev K Sharma
KISHTWAR, June 2: Heavy rains triggered flash floods brought nature’s fury in the mountainous Kishtwar district on Tuesday affecting some roads and hitting two water supply schemes.
However, there was no loss of human life or any damage to livestock.
The affected areas were Sarthal Gahan and Machipal.
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Eyewitnesses informed that the rivulets were overflowing and debris hit many places on NH 244 in Tehsils Drabshalla and Kishtwar
DC Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma informed that it was a localised heavy rain which brought a lot of water due to which debris, stones and other material got accumulated on roads but there was no loss of any human life or livestock.
He said that the calamity occurred over a ridge affecting two Tehsils, Drabshalla and Kishtwar.
“The ridge is adjoining these Tehsils and the calamity, which can be called a localised type of cloudburst, occurred few minutes before 5 pm and led to minor flash flood type conditions,” Sharma maintained adding that few residential structures were partially damaged and some portion of standing crops was also hit.
He further informed that debris came on Chandli road following which men and machinery were pressed into service to clear it.
“Portion of a water supply scheme and another such scheme on Sandri Nallah were damaged but these will be restored soon,” DC Kishtwar said.
He also said that National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) and Rattle project personnel have cleared Drabshalla highway and restored it.
“Field staff of Revenue Department including Lambardars and Chowkidars, have been deployed to access and report losses,” Sharma said informing that as the flash floods took place in non-habitation areas, no loss to human life or livestock has been reported.
Meanwhile, the district administration of Kishtwar also issued a weather advisory warning of light to moderate rainfall and the possibility of flash floods near riverbanks, nallahs and other vulnerable locations.
Residents, particularly those living near water bodies and loose structures, were urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions until weather conditions improve.
There were reports from Thathri area of Doda stating that the National Highway there remained close for some hours due to flash floods.
Immediately after receiving the news of natural calamity, Union MoS, Dr Jitendra Singh spoke to DC Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma and took stock of the situation.
On social media platform X, Dr. Singh posted: “Two cloudburst incidents were reported in district Kishtwar today. The first occurred in the Gahan area of Sarthal, while the second was reported from Machipal. According to immediate field reports, there have been no casualties, injuries, or damage to property at either location. The ADC Kishtwar, Pawan Kotwal, has confirmed that, as of now, no loss of life or property has been reported.”
Dr. Singh further stated that the district administration has activated heightened monitoring and response measures. Officials from the Revenue, Disaster Management, Police and other line departments remain on alert and are maintaining continuous surveillance of the affected and adjoining areas. Mobile patrols and field staff are in regular contact with local communities to assess conditions and provide assistance wherever required.
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha was closely monitoring the situation arising due to the flash floods caused by heavy rainfall in Kishtwar and Doda.
He has spoken to the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts and directed them to remain on high alert and swiftly restore essential amenities.
The Lieutenant Governor has posted on X: “Spoke with Deputy Commissioners of Kishtwar & Doda regarding the flash floods caused by heavy rainfall. Fortunately, no loss of life or property damage has been reported. Emergency response teams have been directed to remain on high alert and continuously monitor the situation.
I’ve directed both the DCs of Kishtwar and Doda to swiftly restore roads, highways, and water pipelines. Field staff and specialized medical teams are on high alert, and damage assessments will begin as soon as field verification is complete.”
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