Overview
- A cloudburst struck the Chatroo area at about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, sending sudden floods of water, boulders and mud into the town’s main market.
- The Kishtwar–Chatroo–Sinthan National Highway was rendered impassable, at least two parked vehicles were swept away, and several shops and homes were inundated.
- Local agencies deployed excavators and clearing teams and have reopened the road to light vehicles as debris removal continues.
- Authorities ordered schools in Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban closed for safety and moved classes online while Union Minister Jitendra Singh said no loss of life was reported and promised compensation to affected businesses.
- Officials pointed to new early warning systems in Kishtwar and Machhail and a weather station being installed in Padder as part of measures after last year’s Chasoti disaster, and residents should watch for further road closures, relief disbursal, and continued monitoring for landslide or flood risk.