Cloudburst triggers flash floods in Reasi district

IAF airdrops ration to remote village in Reasi

Jammu Tawi, Sep 15 : A cloudburst triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district on Monday, causing fear and panic among mountain dwellers.

The incident took place in Maadi village in Poni tehsil of the district, with no loss of life or damage to any property, officials said.

“There was a huge sound like a blast, and within no time our houses were flooded,” a tribal villager said.

He said the cloudburst occurred around 0300 hours on Monday. “Floods gushed into the village, and we ran away with our children from the houses towards upper areas,” the villager said.

Police rushed to the spot and reviewed the situation, officials added, confirming there was no loss of anything.

A huge mudslide and debris were deposited on the road, which were later cleared by the men and machinery of the Public Works Department, officials said.

 Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday pressed its helicopter into service to airdrop rations to a remote village which was cut off by landslides triggered by heavy rains recently in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Reasi district administration, with IAF’s help, successfully airlifted ration supplies to Sarhi village, which was isolated due to multiple landslides on the Reasi–Sarhi (via Tote) road, and the washing away of Thathi bridge on the alternative Udhampur–Sarhi route via Moungri, the official said.

Reasi Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Malik said this intervention ensured that essential commodities reach the residents despite the challenging terrain and adverse conditions.

“So far, 25 quintals have been delivered, and the exercise will go on, subject to favourable weather conditions,” she said.

Although adequate ration stock is currently available, she said precautionary measures are being taken to avoid any shortages.

The deputy commissioner said the reconstruction of the Thathi Bridge is being taken up on priority with army support, while alternate routes and manual transportation options are also being explored.