Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 7

A major landslide triggered by flash floods blocked a strategic highway in Doda district on Tuesday, severing road connectivity between Doda and Kishtwar for the second time in two days, officials said.

Heavy overnight rainfall triggered a flash flood in Thathri, sending large volumes of mud and debris onto National Highway-244, the principal road connecting the Chenab Valley districts.

Traffic authorities closed the affected stretch between Doda and Kishtwar, while allowing movement on the Batote-Doda section of the highway.

“The road has been closed for vehicular movement and restoration work is underway,” a traffic official said.

Excavators and road maintenance teams worked throughout the day to remove debris and stabilise the damaged stretch, though officials did not specify when the highway would reopen.

The latest closure follows another weather-related disruption on Monday, when flash floods and mudslides blocked the highway near Prem Nagar before traffic resumed on a restricted one-way basis later that evening.

The renewed closure comes after a cloudburst struck Thathri overnight, triggering flash floods that caused widespread destruction in the town.

Floodwaters carrying rocks and mud damaged homes, shops and vehicles, while several buildings were either destroyed or partially damaged.

Authorities said the extent of property losses was still being assessed.

District officials appealed to commuters to avoid travelling on the Doda-Kishtwar route until restoration work is completed and the road is declared safe.

The Chenab Valley frequently experiences landslides and road closures during the monsoon season because of its fragile terrain, often disrupting connectivity to remote districts.

Officials said restoration work would continue until the highway is made traffic-worthy.