Doda, August 30, 2025 – Amid ongoing recovery from a devastating cloudburst and flash floods that struck the Bhalesa area earlier this week, Deputy Commissioner Doda, Harvinder Singh, conducted a comprehensive inspection of the flood-impacted regions today. The visit focused on assessing damages in the Charwa area of Bhalesa, interacting with affected residents, and reviewing relief and restoration operations to expedite the return to normalcy.The cloudburst, which occurred on August 26, triggered severe flash floods in the Charu Nallah and surrounding localities, leading to significant property damage, including over 10 houses submerged or destroyed, and at least three reported fatalities. Although initial reports confirmed no casualties at the time, subsequent updates highlighted the tragic loss of lives and widespread disruption to infrastructure and livelihoods.
The floods also affected road connectivity and essential services, with the Chenab River crossing the danger mark, prompting evacuations and alerts for nearby rivers like Tawi and Basantar. Accompanied by senior officials from relevant departments, including the Irrigation & Flood Control, Public Works Department, and local police, DC Singh surveyed the hardest-hit spots in Bhalesa. He engaged directly with residents, listening to their grievances regarding loss of homes, agricultural lands, and access to water and electricity. The DC assured the affected families that the administration is leaving no stone unturned to provide immediate relief, including financial aid, essential supplies, and medical assistance. “All efforts are underway to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. We are prioritising the repair of damaged infrastructure and ensuring that vulnerable areas are protected from further risks,” Singh stated during the interaction.
In addition to Bhalesa, the DC’s tour extended to other rain-affected sub-divisions like Thathri and Gandoh, where he inspected damaged roads such as NH-244 near Jangalwar Nallah and the Khara–Malanoo route. He directed executing agencies to accelerate restoration works, deploy machinery for debris clearance, and implement flood mitigation measures. Union Minister Jitendra Singh, who had earlier coordinated with DC Doda, reaffirmed central government support for relief and rehabilitation. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also instructed the release of additional funds for emergency restoration across the Jammu region.
The Meteorological Department has forecasted continued heavy rainfall in Doda and adjoining districts until September 2, maintaining an orange alert for potential landslides and flash floods. Authorities have urged residents to avoid riverbanks and vulnerable areas, with helpline numbers activated for emergencies. This incident is part of a broader pattern of rain-related disasters in Jammu and Kashmir since mid-August, claiming over 130 lives region-wide and underscoring the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness.The DC’s proactive measures aim to rebuild confidence among the affected communities and facilitate a rapid recovery, emphasising coordinated inter-departmental efforts to prevent future vulnerabilities.
