Jammu, Aug 28 (KNO): Continuous rains and subsequent floods have wreaked havoc in Doda District, leaving the region territorially and digitally cut off from the rest of the country.
The severe weather conditions over several days caused widespread destruction, disrupting daily life and essential services.
According to the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) weather improved in the district after six consecutive days on Thursday.
However, the storms and cloudbursts which hit the area during the past few days, and triggered landslides and flash floods across many parts of the district have left a trail of destruction behind. Many people have died and residential houses have suffered significant damage.
In Chiralla area, several houses have collapsed, and many others sustained partial damages.
In Amritpura Chanyas, police reported heavy flash floods causing severe damage to homes, with floodwaters entering residences. In one distressing incident, a woman and her 15-year-old daughter were trapped under debris when their house collapsed but were later rescued by local residents.
Several other areas also faced landslides and rising water levels, although the situation has shown some improvement on Thursday.
Fearing further risks, many residents have evacuated their homes, relocating to safer areas. The local administration has provided refuge to some of the affected families in the Doda community hall, ensuring necessary arrangements for their stay.
Locals reported extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads leading to villages, temporary wooden bridges, footpaths, orchards, fields, crops, and agricultural lands. Key roads such as Thathi Janglowal Road, Palra Kat Road, Asar Goha, Marmat Road, Kasti Garh, Bagwa Desa Road, and Ganna Ladna Road have been washed away in multiple places, with some completely destroyed by the floods’ strong currents.
Flood risks remain high in areas like Badrawa, Niro Nala, Thanala Nala, Bart Bagla, Adiyan Pura Nala, Gut Babor Nala, Goha, Khelini Nala, Kasti Garh, Ganika, Bagwa Desa Nala, Gandna Latna, Dara Nala, Pahwa, Kehra, and Dhanti Nala. The administration has issued alerts due to these ongoing threats. Moreover, landslides continue in several locations including Kalah, Haneel, Gandna, and Ban Gam.
Residents also reported that all temporary wooden bridges used for crossings have been washed away, and water supply lines managed by the PSP department have suffered extensive damage. Consequently, many people must now fetch water from distant sources. They also complained that even minor rainfall causes power outages, with the Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (JPDCL) responsible for repairs, yet no significant actions have been taken so far.
For the past three days, electricity and water supply systems in Doda have been severely disrupted. Broken power lines and damaged water pipes have impacted numerous settlements, leaving many without essential services. Public representatives have strongly urged the administration to restore electricity, water, and communication infrastructure immediately, as these disruptions are causing immense difficulties for residents, including students preparing for competitive exams.
Furthermore, Doda’s communication network has been impaired for the past four days. Underground cables have been cut in several locations, disrupting phone and internet services and further isolating the region—(KNO)