JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
On Tuesday, the weather in Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous district of Kishtwar took a sudden, ferocious turn. Normal life was disrupted by flash floods following two separate cloudburst incidents in the Gahan and Machhipal areas of the district’s Sarthal region. Due to strong currents and debris, 34 roads across the district were affected, temporarily severing connectivity to several rural areas.
According to the administration, a relieving factor is that no loss of life or property has been reported in connection with this natural calamity. Officials have immediately initiated relief and restoration operations in the affected areas.
Kishtwar’s Additional Deputy Commissioner, Pawan Kotwal, stated that the administration is closely monitoring both incidents, and so far, there have been no confirmed reports of any injuries or major damage. Meanwhile, teams from the district administration are continuously assessing the situation on the ground.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh also expressed concern over the situation, noting that teams from the Red Cross, Police, Revenue, and Disaster Management departments have been dispatched to the affected areas. Machinery and personnel are working on a war footing to clear debris from the roads and restore traffic flow.
According to District Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, a cloudburst in the hilly terrain between Drabshalla and Gujjuwa triggered flash floods, affecting several routes including Drabshalla Zero Point, Suru-Sarthal, Gahan, and Machhipal. While the main Drabshalla route has been cleared and reopened for traffic, restoration work on the other affected roads remains underway.
In coordination with NHIDCL officials, the administration has also initiated the process to swiftly restore the route leading from Drabshalla towards Fathri. Furthermore, officials from the Revenue, Police, and Disaster Management departments are maintaining constant vigilance over the region. The administration has appealed to the public to maintain a safe distance from drains, rivers, and landslide-prone areas during the monsoon season. Citizens have been urged to immediately report any emergency situation or flood-related information to the control room or local administration, so that relief and rescue operations can be conducted swiftly.
Amidst the increasing weather uncertainty in the hilly districts, this incident in Kishtwar serves as yet another reminder that only vigilance and timely response to natural disasters can avert major loss.
