Doda cloudburst highlights: Eight dead, network down across J-K, calling services disrupted in the valley

Authorities issue official order restricting public movement during night hours as heavy rains raise flood concerns across the region.

A stranded passenger in Jammu reports complete closure of the Himkoti route due to landslides and heavy rainfall, with all trains cancelled and travelers halted mid-journey.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep sorrow over the tragic landslide near the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route in Jammu and Kashmir, triggered by heavy rainfall. Terming the incident "extremely unfortunate," Shah stated that he has spoken to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha regarding the situation. He assured that the local administration is actively involved in relief and rescue operations, and that NDRF teams are also reaching the site to assist in managing the crisis and helping the injured.

Eight pilgrims have died and 14 others were injured in a landslide near Ardhkuwari on the Vaishno Devi shrine route. Rescue operations are underway, with several still feared trapped as heavy rainfall triggered the collapse.

A landslide near Ardhkuwari on the Vaishno Devi shrine route has claimed five lives and injured 14 pilgrims, with rescue efforts ongoing.

Two bodies have been recovered and taken to Katra hospital following a landslide near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Ardhkuwari, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which also caused multiple injuries; rescue operations are ongoing with full deployment and close monitoring by the Shrine Board.

In Jammu, relentless heavy rainfall has led to the collapse of bridge number four out of five on the Tawi River near Bhagwati Nagar. As a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety, more than 10 train services have been cancelled. Northern Railway’s General Manager and the Divisional Railway Manager of Jammu are currently stationed in Pathankot with their technical teams, closely monitoring the situation and assessing the damage.

Network is down across Jammu and Kashmir due to heavy rainfall, leaving users unable to access internet and calling services. Authorities are investigating the issue, and more details are awaited.

A landslide occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya in Adhkwari, resulting in several feared injuries. Rescue teams are actively working at the site with necessary manpower and machinery to ensure safety and assist the affected.

Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, confirmed that incessant rainfall has dangerously raised water levels in rivers and streams across the district. Floodwaters have entered residential areas, prompting evacuations to safer locations. Three fatalities were reported in the Gandoh area, and the Neeru River in Bhaderwah is now flowing above the danger mark. A cloudburst occurred in Charu Nallah, Bhalessa—marking a repeat of a similar disaster from three years ago. Authorities have placed all officials on high alert to facilitate swift rescue and emergency response efforts.

A devastating cloudburst over Charu Nallah in Bhalessa, Doda district, has led to flash floods, claiming three lives and submerging several residential areas. Continuous heavy rainfall has caused landslides, severely disrupting road connectivity. Authorities are on high alert, carrying out rescue operations, while residents near rivers and streams are being urged to stay indoors and move to safer locations.

A flood alert has been sounded in Jammu, J&K, following a significant rise in the Tawi River due to continuous heavy rainfall. Jammu DIG Shiv Kumar Sharma stated that the administration has urged the public to stay away from rivers and nallahs. While traffic on the highway remains operational, authorities are actively implementing safety measures to protect residents.

The water level of the Tawi River rises due to heavy rainfall.

The water level of the Tawi River has risen sharply due to continuous heavy rainfall, prompting authorities to issue alerts for residents in low-lying areas. People have been advised to stay away from the riverbanks and avoid venturing near streams as the risk of flooding remains high. Emergency teams are monitoring the situation closely to ensure public safety.

Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has come to a standstill due to multiple landslides and falling rocks triggered by continuous rainfall.

In the Ramban district on Tuesday, movement along the highway was completely disrupted after landslides occurred at several points, with rocks tumbling down from the hills. Authorities have urged people to avoid unnecessary travel on this route and to stay indoors until weather conditions improve.

Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Centre, said the water level in the lower and middle stretches of the Jhelum is likely to rise until this evening due to continuous rainfall, after which it is expected to start receding. He added that persistent rain in the Jammu region over the past week has caused rivers and streams to swell. People living in low-lying areas have been urged to remain cautious and prioritise safety, as the next 24 hours are considered crucial for Jammu and Kashmir.

The Sheshnag Nallah in Betaab Valley Pahalgam Crosses its Highest Flood Level. Water Now Flowing at all-time highest level

The current water level has reached 6.02 ft, surpassing the flood alarm level of 4.59 ft, the danger level of 5.09 ft, and even the previous highest flood level of 5.68 ft, so people are strongly advised to stay away from rivers and streams, authorities said in a release.

In response to the ongoing inclement weather and its potential impact on public safety, the Poonch Police have established a dedicated helpline number to assist residents in times of need. This initiative is aimed at ensuring timely support and maintaining public safety during adverse weather conditions.

• SSP Poonch +91 9596580785
• ASP Poonch  +91 9622492727
• DySP HQRS Poonch  +91 9419606250
• DySP OPS Poonch  +91 9419138714
• SDPO Surankote  +91 9596955000
•  SDPO Mendhar  +91 9622554383
• DYSP DAR Poonch +91 9419111876
• SHO PS Poonch +91 9419102900
• SHO PS Mendhar +91 7006647582
• SHO PS Surankote +91 7006619494
• SHO PS Gursai  +91 9419168776
•  SHO PS Mandi  +91 7006313075
•  SHO PS Loran  +91 9596992910
• IC PP Sawjian +91 7006573002
• IC PP Jhullas +91 6005590690
• IC PP Khari +91 7006840122
• IC PP Behramgala  +91 7006457381
•  IC PP Mankote  +91 7780935569
•  IC PP Balakote  +91 9622289060
• Police Control Room  Poonch (PCR) +91 9086253188, 01965 -220258

Union minister Jitendra Singh said he has spoken to the Doda DC after the cloudburst triggered widespread destruction in the district, killing at least three people. He said the situation is being monitored by the administration, and regular updates are being conveyed to his office.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said the situation in many parts of Jammu is "quite serious" after cloudburst and incidents of flash floods in the region. He said he is personally monitoring the situation and directed the administration to act immediately.

"The situation is many parts of Jammu province is quite serious. I’ll be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation. In the meantime, instructions have been issued to place additional funds at the disposal of the DCs to cover emergency restoration work and other exigences," he said in a post on X.

The pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district was temporarily suspended due to heavy and continuous rainfall since late last night. Officials from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) said the Himkoti route was the first to be closed as rain intensified. With no improvement in weather conditions, the board later decided to suspend the entire yatra for a few hours.

"The safety of devotees is our top priority. The yatra will resume once conditions stabilise," a Shrine Board spokesperson said.

Water level in multiple rivers flowing through Jammu and Kashmir has risen dramatically due to torrential rains in the Union territory on Tuesday. AT least three people have been killed and several hosues swept away after a cloudburst in the Doda district.

According to Doda Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh, singh added that the Chenab River is flowing dangerously close to its highest flood level of 900 feet, having already reached 899.3 metres.

"Given the current rainfall, we expect the level to breach the HFL. We have restricted movement near the river and along adjoining roads. People from vulnerable areas have been evacuated to safer locations," he stated.

Doda DC Harvinder Singh said since it has been raining continuously for three days, especially in the areas of the Chenab River, reports of cloud bursts have come from two places.

The NH 244 has also been washed away in a cloud burst. Our team is busy restoring that. Three lives have been lost so far. Two of them are in Gandhor and one is in the Thathri subdivision. 15 residential houses have been damaged, and cow sheds have also been damaged.