STATE TIMES NEWS
BHADARWAH/JAMMU: A cloudburst on Friday caused flash floods in Thathri market of Doda district, laying mudslides in several houses and the Batote-Kishtwar National Highway, leading to significant disruption in traffic.
However, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities so far, officials said.
The cloudburst followed by flash floods around 3 am triggered substantial mudslides that affected the entire market area of Thathri town and several residential houses along the highway, with some vehicles trapped in the debris, they said.
STATE TIMES correspondent reported that the Batote-Doda-Kishtwar National Highway 244 also got blocked due to mudslide and slush on the highway. However men and machinery have been deployed to restore the highway.
On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh, a team of officers comprising ADC Doda, SDM Thathri along with Tehsildar Thathri immediately reached the spot and took stock of the situation.
Locals alleged that it is second incident in last 2 years and despite repeated pleas to Administration, nothing has been done so far.
DC Doda Harvinder Singh said that highway has been restored for single lane and administration is trying to get it fully restored at the earliest.
DC Doda said, “Fortunately there has been no loss of life in this incident but the houses of some people have been partially damaged and whatever loss is caused will be compensated and a team has been sent to the spot.
“PMGSY and R&B Department has also pressed their men and machinery to restore other link roads as well,” DC added, saying that reportedly 2 houses are damaged in the incident, however water and mud has entered other houses as well and some vehicles also came under the debris.
“Every possible help will be provided to the people as teams are there to access the loss” DC informed.
