Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods, Wreaking Havoc in Thathri Town
**June 28, 2024 – Bhadarwah, Jammu and Kashmir**
A torrential cloudburst struck Thathri town in Doda district early Friday morning, unleashing flash floods that inundated vast areas along the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway. The sudden deluge caused significant mudslides, damaging several houses and vehicles in the market area and nearby residential neighborhoods.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities so far, officials said. The cloudburst struck around 3 am, triggering massive mudslides that engulfed the town’s market area and several residential houses along the highway. Some parked vehicles were also trapped in the debris, blocking traffic on the vital road.
Restoration Efforts Underway
Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Thathri, Masood Ahmed Bichoo, stated that the mudslides were extensive due to the sudden cloudburst. However, he added that the flash floods fortunately hit near a less populated area, minimizing potential casualties.
“Despite significant debris in the market area, there have been no major losses,” Bichoo said. “Restoration work is underway, and we expect to clear all debris from the market area by afternoon.”
Traffic on the highway has been partially restored, and efforts are ongoing to clear the debris completely.
Previous Cloudburst Incident
This is not the first time Thathri town has been hit by a cloudburst. In July 2017, a similar event caused significant damage, washing away several structures near the Jamia Masjid and injuring multiple people.
Community Support
Local residents and volunteers have come together to assist in the cleanup and restoration efforts. They have been clearing debris, providing food and water to affected families, and offering emotional support.
Lessons Learned
In the aftermath of the cloudburst, the community is reflecting on the need for better disaster preparedness measures. They are calling on the authorities to invest in infrastructure that can mitigate the impact of such events in the future.
**Additional Information:**
* The Batote-Kishtwar National Highway (NH 244) is a major transportation artery connecting Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda and Kishtwar districts.
* Cloudbursts are sudden, intense rainfall events that can trigger flash floods and mudslides.
* Thathri is a small town located in the foothills of the Himalayas, known for its scenic beauty and rich cultural heritage.