Srinagar, Aug 30 (KNO): Nearly 80 percent services, including road access, electricity, and communication networks, have been restored in Doda district where cloudbursts and landslides wreaked havoc earlier this week.
An official while talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “The administration is continuously working to restore connectivity in the affected areas. Teams have been mobilized across Doda to assess damage and repair essential infrastructure.”
"Efforts are ongoing around the clock, and we are pleased to report that nearly 80 percent of services, including road access, electricity, and communication networks, have already been restored. The government remains committed to ensuring full restoration and providing relief to all impacted families," he added.
According to reports received by KNO the worst-affected areas in Gandoh Doda include Kaharah, Charawa, Kharangal, and several other localities.
Pertinently, a cloudburst struck Tanta Wanipora earlier this week, claiming several lives. Among the deceased were Noor Mohammad and Mohammad Iqbal from Wanipora.
In a separate incident, Rubina Begum, wife of Imtiaz Ahmad, was swept away by powerful floodwaters. Several other residents have sustained injuries at various locations throughout the region.
Residents informed KNO that a youth sports stadium, constructed by the Department of Rural Development in 2022-23, suffered severe damage. “The stadium’s walls, built close to the Neeru tributary of the Chenab River, were swept away by strong floodwaters. Once the region’s largest and only sports facility, hosting a variety of local competitions, the stadium now lies in ruins,” residents said.
In Kaharah Charawa, a tourism building and several homes collapsed and were completely destroyed. In Wanipora, ten residential houses remained under constant threat due to unstable conditions. The bridge at Thathri, already in a weakened state, and its accompanying roadside culverts were damaged.
Locals reported that torrential rains and flash floods have devastated water channels, footbridges, wooden temporary structures, standing crops, and orchards, further deepening the crisis.
Meanwhile, in Bhaderwah, lightning strikes hit three different locations last evening, sending terrifying and loud sounds across the area and creating an atmosphere of fear and panic.
The sudden onset of floodwaters following these strikes led to inundation of several homes. The power supply was also cut off until Saturday afternoon, locals said—(KNO)