Tricity
Flash floods block Doda-Kishtwar highway, bury vehicles near Kwar hydel project
Heavy overnight rains trigger landslides in Jammu, blocking the Doda‑Kishtwar highway and burying vehicles near the Kwar hydel project; no casualties reported.
Flash floods have halted traffic on the Doda‑Kishtwar highway after overnight rains triggered landslides and mudslides across the Jammu region. The surge of water and earth covered the road near the Kwar hydel project, burying several vehicles under debris. No casualties have been reported, but the incident has left the vital link between Doda and Kishtwar disrupted.
The heavy precipitation, which fell throughout the night, caused multiple landslides that have damaged sections of the highway. Local authorities responded promptly, sending teams to clear the obstruction and assess the stability of the surrounding terrain. They have urged residents and travelers to stay away from the vulnerable stretch until the road is declared safe.
Officials emphasized that restoring the route is the priority and that safety assessments must be completed before any vehicles are allowed back on the road. The Kwar hydel project, a key infrastructure component in the area, has been monitored for any additional risk, though no damage to the facility itself has been reported.
The region has been experiencing a series of intense rain events in recent weeks, raising concerns about recurring landslides in the mountainous terrain. While the current flash flood did not result in loss of life, it underscores the growing challenges of managing weather‑related hazards in Jammu.
Travelers have been forced to take longer detours, adding significant time to their journeys. The blockage has also affected local movement of goods, though the full impact on supply chains has not been quantified.
Authorities have not released a timeline for reopening the highway, stressing that thorough checks are required to ensure the road is safe. In the meantime, temporary signage warning of the hazard has been placed at the site, and drivers are advised to avoid the area unless absolutely necessary.
The incident adds to a pattern of weather‑driven disruptions in the Jammu region, where steep slopes and rapid rainfall can quickly turn into dangerous conditions. Officials hope that improved early‑warning systems and better maintenance of road infrastructure will reduce future incidents.
For now, the focus remains on clearing the debris, confirming that the road is stable, and keeping motorists out of harm’s way. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Source: Hindustan Times
