Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed at least 35 cloudburst incidents this year so far, claiming around 31 lives and causing widespread destruction to homes, roads, bridges and public infrastructure. The official data revels that at least 22 cloudbursts were reported between June 1 and mid-July, while persistent heavy rainfall during the second half of July and the beginning of August triggered several more incidents, pushing the total number of reported cloudbursts beyond 35.
The fatalities have largely resulted from cloudbursts, flash floods and rain-triggered landslides, with the Jammu division accounting for the highest number of deaths. The worst-hit districts include Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda and Kishtwar, while several parts of Kashmir, particularly Shopian and Kupwara, have also witnessed repeated flash floods in recent weeks.
