Severe Cloudburst Causes Flash Floods in Jammu and Kashmir
Impact of Cloudburst in Reasi District
Photo: IANS
Jammu, June 5: A significant cloudburst occurred in a village located in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting local authorities to close schools in the Kishtwar district due to severe weather conditions on Friday.
According to officials, numerous homes were damaged after a cloudburst late Thursday night resulted in flash floods in the Bathoi area of Reasi district. This incident marks the fifth cloudburst in the Jammu region within just three days.
Earlier in the week, four cloudbursts were reported across three districts—Doda, Kishtwar, and Poonch—on Tuesday, which led to flash floods and road blockages in various locations, although no fatalities were reported.
The cloudburst hit the Bathoi area in the Mahore subdivision, unleashing a sudden influx of water and debris into residential neighborhoods.
Flash floods inundated multiple homes, damaging personal belongings and causing widespread panic among the residents, as reported by officials.
Rescue teams and local administration quickly mobilized to the affected areas to initiate relief and restoration efforts.
The District Development Commissioner (DDC) of Reasi noted that the cloudburst resulted in water and debris entering several homes in the village.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha communicated via X, stating, “I spoke with the DC of Reasi to evaluate the situation following the cloudburst in Village Bathoi.”
He confirmed that while many homes were damaged, there were fortunately no casualties reported.
“I have instructed the DC to promptly provide relief and support to the families affected,” the Lt Governor added.
Officials indicated that traffic near the Jamlan bridge was temporarily halted due to rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall and debris flow.
The administration has urged residents to stay alert and reach out to local authorities in case of emergencies.
Relief operations are ongoing, and the situation is reportedly under control.
In a related development, authorities in Kishtwar district announced the closure of schools for the day.
An order from the chief education officer of Kishtwar stated, “Due to the adverse weather conditions affecting District Kishtwar, including continuous rainfall, slippery roads, and the risk of falling stones, which pose a serious threat to the safety of students and staff, all Government and Private Schools in District Kishtwar will remain closed today, June 5, 2026. However, schools located within the Kishtwar City area (from Malipeth to Cherhar) will remain open. This order is effective immediately.”