Flash Floods Block Roads, Suspend Pilgrimages in J&K's Doda and Kishtwar Districts

Heavy rains triggered flash floods in Kalalgisar area of Bhalessa, in J&K’s Doda district, Wednesday. Mud and debris flows blocked several interior link roads, severing connectivity to multiple villages in the belt. Restoration work began after the situation improved later in the day, officials said.

Meanwhile, inclement weather forced authorities to suspend the ongoing annual pilgrimages to Machhail Mata and Mindhal Mata shrines — which commenced on June 1 — in the mountainous Kishtwar district. Officials said the decision was taken to ensure the safety of pilgrims in view of incessant rainfall, slippery roads and the risk of shooting stones. Kishtwar administration, in an official advisory, urged devotees not to undertake the pilgrimages and to remain at home or other safe locations until further notice. Thursday’s yatras were also subject to fair weather conditions, it stated.

Doda district administration urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas and adhere to official advisories rather than relying on unverified social media posts — including reports of cloudbursts and other calamities — until connectivity was completely restored. “All social media users, electronic media channels, print media organisations, digital news platforms, and content creators are advised to verify all weather-related information before publishing, broadcasting, or sharing it. The dissemination of unverified or misleading information may create unnecessary panic, confusion, and hamper the response of emergency agencies,” Doda district administration stated in an advisory. The notification requested all media personnel to contact the district control room in Doda for authentic, official updates on weather conditions and any emergency developments.