Thathri, August 27 — Heavy cloudbursts and flash floods that struck the Bhalessa area in Doda district and parts of Kishtwar on August 26 led to a significant rise in the water levels of the Chenab river, resulting in substantial damage to infrastructure and properties in Thathri, the first town situated along its banks. While no loss of life has been reported, the incident has affected local businesses, educational institutions, and residential areas, underscoring the vulnerability of riverine settlements to extreme weather events in the Jammu region.
According to reports from The Chenab Times on the morning of August 27, around 10 to 15 shops in Thathri were completely damaged due to the inundation. The Govt Degree College in the town, along with one private school, experienced considerable losses, including structural impairments and waterlogging. Additionally, the Circular Road, a key thoroughfare, was severely impacted, disrupting local connectivity. Seven to eight residential houses also bore the brunt of the flooding, with residents facing water ingress and related damages.
The floods, attributed to intense localised rainfall in the upper reaches, caused the Chenab river to swell rapidly, spilling over into low-lying areas of Thathri. Local authorities have initiated assessments to quantify the extent of the losses, though preliminary observations indicate that the affected structures may require immediate rehabilitation efforts. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to remain vigilant, given the potential for further monsoon-related disruptions.
This event comes amid a broader pattern of erratic weather in the Himalayan foothills, where cloudbursts have increasingly led to flash floods, posing risks to communities dependent on river systems like the Chenab. Efforts to mitigate such hazards, including early warning systems and riverbank reinforcements, have been discussed in regional forums, but implementation remains uneven.
No casualties were reported in the incident, providing some relief amid the material setbacks.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
