Vehicles Washed Away, Highway Closed After Chatroo Cloudburst; Online Classes Ordered as Precaution, No loss of Life Reported
Srinagar, Aug 1: Heavy rains continued to lash several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, with a cloudburst reported in the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district, prompting the closure of schools in Kishtwar and Doda as a precautionary measure.
Officials told news agency JKNS that the cloudburst struck Chatroo at around 2:30 a.m., triggering flash floods that reportedly washed away several vehicles and caused damage to property. However, no loss of life or injuries has been reported so far.
Rains also lashed several other districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, Pampore, Srinagar, Ganderbal, and other areas as well.
Following the incident, the Chatroo–Kishtwar National Highway was closed for vehicular movement, while the exact extent of the damage is being assessed by the authorities.
In view of the prevailing heavy rainfall, slippery road conditions and the possibility of shooting stones, the District Administration Kishtwar ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the district for August 1, 2026.
The order, issued by the Chief Education Officer, Kishtwar, stated that online classes would continue through appropriate digital platforms to ensure that academic activities remain uninterrupted.
Meanwhile, the District Administration Doda also ordered the closure of all government and private schools in the district for the day due to adverse weather conditions. The Chief Education Officer, Doda, directed that online classes be conducted as per schedule.
Authorities have advised people to remain cautious and avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas until weather conditions improve. (JKNS)
