Ramban, Jul 1: Heavy thunders accompanied by torrential rain triggered flash floods in the Bhalessa region of Doda district on Wednesday, blocking the Thathri-Kilhotran road with massive debris, disrupting connectivity to several villages, and prompting the administration to issue a high alert as the Chenab River rose above the danger mark.
According to locals, two cloudburst-like incidents struck the Kalalgisar area of Bhalessa, sending torrents of water, mud, and boulders cascading down the slopes.
The resulting flash floods buried stretches of the Thathri-Kilhotran road under debris, leaving commuters stranded on both sides of the route.
No casualties have been reported so far.
The worst damage was reported from the Bhatiyas area, where floodwaters and debris inundated a government food storage depot. Locals said that food grains equivalent to two to three truckloads were damaged after being submerged, resulting in significant losses.
A local driver claimed that the concerned Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) was informed immediately after the incident and assured that machinery from the Public Works Department (PWD), Roads and Buildings (R&B) wing, would be deployed.
However, locals alleged that road clearance did not begin for several hours.
With the road blocked, stranded commuters voiced concern over the movement of ambulances and other emergency services, noting that no alternative route was available in case of a medical emergency.
Local youth and drivers voluntarily assisted stranded passengers and helped regulate traffic until restoration work commenced.
Residents also blamed inadequate drainage infrastructure for the recurring flooding, alleging that repeated appeals to improve the drainage system had gone unheeded, leaving the area vulnerable during periods of intense rainfall.
Officials said restoration work was underway to clear the debris and restore road connectivity.
The administration is closely monitoring the situation as intermittent heavy rainfall continues across the district, increasing the risk of further landslides and road blockages.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall in the upper reaches of the Chenab basin has caused the river’s water level to rise to nearly one metre above the danger mark, posing a serious threat to settlements along its banks.
In response, the district administration has issued a high alert and urged residents to stay away from the river.
