Rajouri, August 20: A cloudburst in the Rajdhani Panchayat of Thanamandi subdivision on July 19 triggered flash floods and landslides in several parts of Rajouri district, leaving four people dead and causing damage to houses, roads, vehicles, agricultural land and public infrastructure.
According to local residents, the cloudburst occurred at around 14 locations in the hilly Rajdhani area, resulting in a sudden rise in water levels in local nallahs. The floodwaters washed away the main bus stand, swept away several vehicles and damaged or destroyed residential houses.
The Rajdhani Panchayat reported extensive damage to roads and cultivated land, besides multiple landslides across the area. One house occupied by a family of six was completely washed away, forcing the family to take shelter in a government school.
Abdul Gani, a member of the affected family, said the flood occurred between 3:00 am and 3:45 am on July 19. He said the family heard the sound of the river and rolling boulders before managing to leave the house. The house was later washed away by the floodwaters.
Residents said the area had not witnessed such a rise in water levels in the past and expressed concern over the continued risk of heavy rainfall, flash floods and landslides in the higher reaches.
The incident has caused damage to residential properties, public infrastructure, roads, vehicles and agricultural land in several parts of Rajouri, with Rajdhani among the worst-affected areas.