Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has assured assistance, in case it is required by the J&K Government, for the recent flashfloods that caused intensive damage to the property in Doda and other areas.

Talking to the media, Omar said, “I talked to the Home Minister this morning regarding the difficulties we faced in some areas. Chenab region and Kathua faced problems due to rains. I informed the Home Minister about the details when he called me up. He has assured that the central government will assist in case any help is needed,” Omar said.

An official of the district administration informed that heavy machinery has been deployed at Thathri to remove boulders and muck from the area. “Men and machinery from the administration are working throughout the day to clear roads and residential areas as there was damage to the properties. An assessment of the damage is also underway after which a report will be prepared,” the officials said.

The mountainous regions of Doda, Kishtwar and Kathua faced flashfloods due to heavy rain recently. In Thathri area of Doda, a flashflood was witnessed that caused damage to homes and shops on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday. Locals claimed that their properties worth lakhs were destroyed when water from the local ‘nullah’ entered the houses due to heavy rain.

Before the flashflood in Doda, a similar flooding incident took place in Kishtwar where water along with debris entered the 540 MW Kwar hydroelectric power project, damaging the infrastructure. Several heavy motor vehicles and machinery were buried under the debris causing damage worth lakhs.

The flooding brought along heavy boulders and muck that also blocked National Highway-244 connecting Doda and Kishtwar with other parts of the UT.

Locals in Thathri on Wednesday urged the administration to remove the debris in front of their homes. Locals informed that there was no supply of water and electricity since the flashflood hit the area.