Heavy rainfall triggered a major landslide near the under-construction 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar district on Monday, burying several vehicles under mud and debris and disrupting road connectivity in the area.
Officials said the landslide struck after intense rainfall in the Chenab Valley. Large amounts of mud, rocks and boulders came down onto the road leading to the project site, trapping several trucks, tankers and construction vehicles.
The Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects Limited on the Chenab River, about 28 kilometres from Kishtwar town.
Vehicles Damaged, Clearance Work Underway
Eyewitnesses said the debris covered a long stretch of road and partially buried vehicles, machinery and equipment used at the project site. Authorities rushed men and heavy machinery to the area and started clearance operations soon after the incident. Teams are working to remove debris and recover trapped vehicles.
Officials said several vehicles suffered extensive damage and remain buried beneath the landslide material.
“There were no immediate reports of casualties or injuries,” officials said.
Heavy rain also disrupted traffic on National Highway 244, which connects Doda and Kishtwar. A flash flood and mudslide hit the Prem Nagar stretch of the highway, forcing authorities to close the road for traffic. Large quantities of debris made the route unsafe for vehicles.
Officials have started restoration work and are trying to reopen the highway as quickly as possible.
Rain Alert Issued
The administration has issued a heavy rain alert for parts of Kishtwar district and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel. “Stay safe and cooperate with authorities,” officials said.
Authorities have also advised people living near vulnerable slopes, rivers and streams to remain cautious as wet weather continues across the Chenab Valley.
The landslide is the latest in a series of rain-related incidents reported from the region, where persistent rainfall has increased the risk of flash floods and slope failures.
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