Jammu, Aug 3: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded more than 35 cloudburst incidents so far this year, leaving 31 people dead and causing extensive damage to houses, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.
Official data shows that 22 cloudbursts occurred between June 1 and mid-July, while continued heavy rainfall during late July and early August led to several more incidents.
The highest number of deaths was reported from the Jammu division, with Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda and Kishtwar among the worst-hit districts. In Kashmir, Shopian and Kupwara also witnessed repeated flash floods.
Heavy rain, landslides and shooting stones repeatedly disrupted traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, affecting the movement of passengers and essential supplies.
According to meteorologists, a cloudburst is an extremely intense rainfall event in which more than 100 mm of rain falls within an hour over a small area, often triggering flash floods and landslides.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recommended strengthening early warning systems, expanding weather monitoring networks and improving community alert mechanisms. Experts have also called for hazard mapping and stricter regulation of construction in flood-prone and ecologically sensitive areas to reduce the impact of future disasters.
