Jammu And Kashmir Caught In Flash Floods Triggered By Cloudburst, Schools Shut 3 Districts

Last Updated:August 01, 2026, 14:20 IST

Normal life has been disrupted in Kashmir due to cloud burst. Authorities have taken several measures to save life and property.

Heavy rain and a cloudburst in Chatroo disrupted life across the Chenab Valley early Saturday, triggering flash floods and forcing authorities to shut schools in Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

Officials said the cloudburst struck around 2:30 am, unleashing a sudden surge of water that buried parts of the main market under mud, slush and boulders. The flooding also cut off the Kishtwar-Chatroo-Sinthan National Highway, severely affecting movement in the region, as per media reports.

While no casualties were reported, the damage was significant. Several shops and homes were inundated, and at least two vehicles parked near a local stream were swept away by the strong currents.

Authorities said the extent of losses is being assessed.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh said affected shopkeepers and business owners would receive compensation in line with government relief norms. He added that he had spoken to the district administration soon after the incident to review the situation.

The minister also pointed to improved disaster preparedness measures introduced after the deadly Chasoti cloudburst last year, which killed 63 people, mostly pilgrims. He said early warning systems have since been installed in Kishtwar and Machail, along with an automatic weather station in the Padder area, to strengthen forecasting and response during extreme weather events.

As a precaution, authorities ordered all government and private schools in Kishtwar to remain closed for the day due to heavy rain, slippery roads and the risk of landslides or falling rocks. Similar closures were enforced in neighbouring Doda and Ramban districts, with schools asked to conduct classes online.

Overall, the cloudburst and continuing rainfall disrupted daily life across the Chenab Valley, damaging property and halting transport, even as officials confirmed there was no loss of life.

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