Doda: The devastating aftermath of twin cloudbursts continued to unfold across the Bhalesa region of Doda district on Thursday, with flash floods washing away roads, disrupting connectivity to several remote villages and damaging public infrastructure, leaving thousands of residents grappling with the impact of one of the worst weather events to hit the area in recent years.
The twin cloudbursts struck the Khal Jugasar belt of Bhalesa, sending torrents of water, mud and boulders rushing downhill and triggering massive flash floods across the region.
The worst-hit stretch remained the Thathri-Kilhotran road, where huge quantities of debris buried the roadway, bringing traffic to a complete halt and leaving commuters stranded on both sides for several hours. With no alternative route available, concerns mounted over the movement of ambulances and emergency services in case of medical emergencies.
Several link roads connecting remote villages were either washed away or severely damaged, cutting off large pockets of the Bhalesa region from the rest of Doda district and complicating relief and restoration efforts.
Significant damage was also reported from the Bhatiyas area, where floodwaters entered a government food storage depot, destroying food grains stored inside. Local residents estimated that stocks equivalent to two to three truckloads were damaged after remaining submerged under floodwater and debris.
Locals alleged that despite the matter being brought to the notice of the local administration immediately after the disaster, road clearance operations did not commence for several hours, prolonging the hardship of stranded travellers and local inhabitants.
In the absence of immediate official assistance, local youth, transporters and volunteers stepped forward to help stranded passengers, regulate traffic and assist people trapped by the blocked road until restoration work eventually began.
The latest disaster has also revived public concern over inadequate drainage infrastructure in the region. Residents said repeated demands for proper drainage channels and flood protection measures had gone unaddressed, making the area increasingly vulnerable during every spell of heavy rainfall.
Meanwhile, relentless rain in the upper catchment of the Chenab basin caused the river to swell to nearly one metre above the danger mark, prompting the district administration to issue a high alert and advise people living along the riverbanks to stay away from the river and avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas.
Officials said restoration teams have been deployed to clear debris and reopen blocked roads, while the administration continues to monitor the weather as fresh spells of rain could trigger additional landslides and flash floods.
Despite the widespread destruction to infrastructure and disruption of normal life, no loss of life had been reported till the filing of this report. [KNT]
