Continuous heavy rainfall over the past three days has wreaked havoc in several areas of the Chenab River region in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. Cloudbursts at two locations have triggered flash floods, causing widespread damage to property and life in the area.
As per officials, at least four people died after a cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Tuesday, coming on the heels of similar calamities in Kathua and Kishtwar. The sudden, heavy downpour triggered flash floods that damaged more than 10 houses, officials added.
J&K witnesses chaos
The recent cloudburst comes after the weather department’s warning of heavy to very heavy rain across several parts of the Jammu region, including Kathua, Samba, Doda, Jammu, Ramban and Kishtwar districts. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of possible cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in high-altitude areas until at least August 27.
These flash floods caused widespread distress and panic amongst the residents. A video captured and posted by a netizen on X showed brand new cars from a Mahindra yard being washed away by floods.
A number of cars were seen stuck in the flood area, with some of them getting washed away by the heavy flow of water.
Brand new cars from a Mahindra yard washed away due to floods in Sarore #Jammu. pic.twitter.com/ezHPGV7PDs
— Gulvinder (@rebelliousdogra) August 26, 2025
Government steps up relief efforts
Taking stock of the situation, Doda Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh said that of the four victims, two died in a house collapse and two after they slipped and fell into a nullah during flash floods. Most of the damage has been reported in the Mamat and Gandoh areas of Doda, he added.
Following the disaster, teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police and civil administration have been pressed into action. The forces are currently coordinating to help people move out of low-lying areas on the banks of the rivers Tawi and Chenab.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired an emergency meeting to review the situation in Jammu. He instructed the administration to ensure a timely supply of food, clean drinking water, medicines and other essentials to those affected.
“The relief and restoration works will proceed strictly as per SDRF norms. However, wherever additional requirements arise beyond these norms, I will personally ensure that further provisions are made available,” Abdullah said.