Cloudbursts Return to Stalk Chenab Valley
Fresh incidents in Doda and Kishtwar revive memories of deadly disasters as recurring extreme weather exposes the fragility of the mountainous region
Srinagar: Fresh cloudburst incidents in Doda and neighbouring Kishtwar have once again brought the recurring threat of extreme weather into focus in the Chenab Valley, a region that has witnessed some of Jammu and Kashmir’s most devastating weather-related disasters over the past decade.
A cloudburst was reported in Doda district while two others struck parts of Kishtwar, triggering flash floods and temporary road blockades. Although no casualties were reported, authorities remained on alert as water levels in local streams rose rapidly following heavy rainfall.
“There has been no loss of life or major damage in the latest incidents. Revenue, police and disaster response teams are monitoring vulnerable locations and people have been advised to stay away from nallahs and flood-prone areas,” a senior district official said.
The latest incidents have revived memories of the August 2025 cloudburst at Charu Nallah in Bhalesa, Doda, which left four people dead and damaged several houses, roads and public infrastructure. Following the tragedy, Deputy Commissioner Doda Harvinder Singh had directed departments to identify vulnerable spots and strengthen preparedness measures in flood-prone areas.
According to official records, the Chenab Valley districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban have witnessed multiple cloudbursts and flash floods over the past 15 years. Among the deadliest was the 2021 Hunzar cloudburst in Kishtwar that claimed 26 lives. Several other incidents in the upper reaches of Doda and Ramban have damaged roads, bridges, agricultural land and residential structures, often cutting off remote villages for days.
Officials in the Disaster Management Department say the region’s steep terrain, fragile geology and changing rainfall patterns have increased the risk of flash floods and cloudburst-related disasters. “Extreme rainfall events are becoming more frequent and unpredictable. Strengthening early warning systems and community preparedness is critical for reducing losses,” an official associated with disaster management efforts in the region said.
Residents of Bhaderwah, Bhalesa, Thathri, Gandoh and Kishtwar’s mountainous belts say cloudbursts, once considered rare, are now a recurring seasonal concern. “Whenever there is intense rainfall, people living near nallahs remain anxious. The fear returns every monsoon,” said a resident of Bhalesa.
While the latest cloudbursts did not result in casualties, they have once again underscored the vulnerability of the Chenab Valley, where every spell of heavy rain carries the risk of flash floods, landslides and widespread disruption.
