Jammu: A total of 224 residential houses were damaged in recent cloudbursts in the Marwah and Warwan sub-divisions of Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir, on August 26, officials said on Sunday.
Of these, about 50 houses were completely destroyed, 140 suffered severe damage, and the rest sustained partial damage, a spokesperson stated, as Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh visited the affected villages.
The spokesperson added that six to seven locations across Marwah and Warwan were hit by cloudbursts, causing damage to roads and bridges. During his visit to the worst-affected Margi village, Sharma directed the Revenue Department, SDRF, and other teams to prioritize debris clearance around homes.
With ration stocks meant to last until November washed away, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs to provide one month’s rations to affected families immediately, which was distributed on-site. Relief material from the Red Cross was also provided.
The Agriculture and Horticulture Departments were tasked with assessing crop and fruit tree losses to ensure proper compensation for farmers. Officials also noted the loss of 45 cattle buried under debris. Following Sharma’s directions, tractors and laborers were deployed to remove carcasses and prevent disease, while veterinary doctors were called in to treat surviving animals.
The Public Health Engineering Department was directed to restore damaged water pipelines and ensure safe drinking water. Responding to public concerns, Sharma assured that the Hydraulic and Irrigation Flood Control Department would soon implement long-term protective measures.
Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner and SSP held a public darbar in Nowapachi, where residents raised issues related to health, education, irrigation, and other local concerns. Sharma assured that the administration would provide all possible relief, rehabilitation, and safety support for families affected in Marwah and Warwan.
