Kishtwar (National Times): A remote village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Warwan Valley was left devastated after twin cloudbursts struck Margi village, triggering flash floods and landslides that destroyed homes, farmland, and vital infrastructure.
According to local officials, the sudden cloudbursts hit late Wednesday night, unleashing a torrent of water and debris. The force of the flooding swept away at least 30 houses, inundated nearly 60 more, and obliterated a crucial bridge that connected the area to nearby regions.
More than 300 kanals of irrigated farmland—essential to the valley’s largely agrarian economy—were destroyed. Dozens of livestock, a critical livelihood asset for residents, were also lost in the disaster.
With their homes either destroyed or unsafe, scores of villagers sought safety on higher ground. Most of the displaced took shelter on a nearby hillock, where they spent the night in makeshift conditions, braving the cold and uncertainty.
In addition to Margi, Inshan tehsil and the surrounding areas also suffered severe damage. Large stretches of public land were eroded or washed away, compounding the challenges for rescue teams and local authorities attempting to reach affected zones.
Emergency response teams have been dispatched to the area, though access remains difficult due to blocked and damaged roads. Relief efforts are currently focused on providing food, medical care, and temporary shelter to displaced residents.
“We are doing everything possible to reach the affected people and restore basic services,” said a local official, noting that helicopters may be required to transport aid due to damaged infrastructure.
The twin cloudbursts have once again highlighted the vulnerability of remote mountain communities to sudden weather events, raising fresh concerns over disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the region.
Authorities are continuing damage assessments and are expected to begin long-term recovery planning once the immediate crisis is under control.
