Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and a massive landslide in the Thathri area of Doda district early on Monday, trapping several vehicles, residential houses, and commercial establishments under fallen debris, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
On Monday, another spell of heavy rainfall in Kishtwar triggered a landslide near the Kwar power project, trapping several vehicles and prompting immediate rescue operations.
As per local eyewitnesses, the cloudburst and flash floods struck the area with force, damaging as many as 10 residential houses, while several other structures suffered partial damage.
Approximately 10 commercial establishments also suffered damage while several vehicles were completely buried under the debris.
According to locals, multiple vehicles got washed away by the gushes of water triggered by the flash floods into the Chenab River.
Meanwhile, district authorities said that heavy rainfall has forced the closure of the Doda-Batote-Kishtwar National Highway, disrupting traffic and affecting surface connectivity in the region.
According to officials, the district administration is closely monitoring the situation while rescue and restoration operations are underway.
An advisory asking residents and commuters to stay away from travelling on the closed roads and places prone to landslides has been issued by the district administration on Tuesday.
Although there was no confirmation of casualties, assessment of the damage was ongoing.