Srinagar- A cloudburst struck the Chatroo area of Kishtwar district in the early hours of Saturday, triggering flash floods that are believed to have washed away several vehicles and caused damage to property, officials said.
The cloudburst occurred at around 2:30 a.m., they said, adding that the exact extent of the damage was still being assessed.
However, no loss of life or injuries have been reported so far, the officials said.
Following the incident, the Chatroo-Kishtwar National Highway has been closed for vehicular movement, they added.
Meanwhile, authorities in three districts of the Chenab valley region — Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban — ordered the closure of all government and private schools today in view of the prevailing heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions.
In an order, the Chief Education Officer, Kishtwar, cited heavy rainfall, slippery road conditions and the possibility of shooting stones posing a risk to the safety of students and staff. All Heads of Institutions have been directed to ensure that online classes are conducted through appropriate digital platforms so that academic activities remain uninterrupted, the order said.
Similar orders were issued by the Chief Education Officers of Doda and Ramban districts, both citing adverse weather and directing that online classes continue as per schedule.
According to the weather forecast for the Kashmir valley, spells of thundershowers are expected across parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next seven days, with intermittent rain likely to continue till August 7. While no prolonged or continuous spell of rainfall is expected during this period, the forecast warned that atmospheric conditions remain highly favourable for intense, short-duration rainfall, keeping the risk of cloudbursts, localised intense downpours and flash floods very high.
The forecast also cautioned that thundershowers are possible along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, raising the possibility of shooting stones, mudslides and landslides on the arterial route.
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