View source for List of disasters in the Chenab Valley

The [[Chenab Valley]], located in the [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]] region administered by India, has experienced a series of major incidents and natural disasters that have left a significant impact on the region. This wikipedia list provides an overview of some of the notable disasters that have occurred in the Chenab Valley.

== Earthquakes ==

=== 2013 Earthquake in Chenab Valley ===
In 2013, the Chenab Valley was struck by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake on May 1. The epicenter was located in the [[Chenab Valley|Erstwhile Doda]] area. The earthquake resulted in the unfortunate loss of two lives and left 69 individuals injured. It led to heightened seismic activity in the region, prompting seismologists to study the area. Some local beliefs attribute the earthquakes to hydroelectric construction projects in the region.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/iit-scientists-ndma-assess-damages-in-quakehit-chenab-valley/article4711542.ece|title=IIT scientists, NDMA assess damages in quake-hit Erstwhile Doda|date=13 May 2013|work=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=31 July 2021}}</ref><ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-chenab-valley-quakes-not-due-to-hydro-projects-scientists-1900120 "Erstwhile doda quakes not due to hydro projects: Scientists"]</ref>

=== June 2023 Chenab Valley Earthquake ===
On 13 June 2023, an earthquake occurred at 13:33 Indian Standard Time in [[Chenab Valley]]'s [[Doda district]].<ref name="g5j12">{{cite web | title=Magnitude 5.4 earthquake strikes eastern Kashmir, India | website=[[Reuters]] | date=13 June 2023 | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/magnitude-54-earthquake-strikes-eastern-kashmir-india-emsc-2023-06-13/ | access-date=17 June 2023 | page=}}</ref><ref name="vxlpd">{{cite web | last=Ayoob | first=Anzer | title=4.2, 2.7 Magnitude Aftershocks Rock Doda District: Residents on Edge as Earthquakes Continue | website=[[The Chenab Times]] | date=14 June 2023 | url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2023/06/14/4-2-2-7-magnitude-aftershocks-rock-doda-district-residents-on-edge-as-earthquakes-continue/ | access-date=17 June 2023 | page=}}</ref> It was centred near the town of [[Thathri]], and also affected nearby [[Bhalessa]] and [[Bhaderwah]] areas in the same district and some areas of Jammu and Kashmir. It registered a minimal magnitude of 5.0 and had a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe).<ref name="e52s2">{{cite web | title=M 5.0 - 21 km NE of Bhadarwāh, India | url=https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000k850/origin/detail|website=Earthquake Hazards Program, USGS | access-date=18 June 2023 | page=}}</ref> As of 14 June 2023, there were at least five secondary earthquakes in the region, mainly near the original epicentre. A series of strong aftershocks occurred near [[Thathri]], [[Bhaderwah]], [[Bhalessa]] and [[Kishtwar district|Kishtwar]].<ref name="cvvib"/> On 17 June 2023, a low-intensity earthquake with 3 magnitude in [[Ramban district|Ramban]] area of erstwhile Doda region.<ref name="brqwg">{{cite web | last=Digital | first=Times Now | title=Magnitude 3 Earthquake Hits Jammu And Kashmir's Ramban | website=TimesNow | date=17 June 2023 | url=https://www.timesnownews.com/india/breaking-earthquake-hits-jammu-and-kashmirs-ramban-article-101065669 | access-date=18 June 2023 | page=}}</ref> While another earthquake jolts [[Chenab Valley|erstwhile Doda district]] with 4.4 magnitude on richter scale, as per [[National Centre for Seismology]].<ref name="cnxyf">{{cite web | title=Chenab Valley Shaken by Another Aftershock: 4.4 Magnitude Earthquake Jolts Doda-Kishtwar districts | website=[[The Chenab Times]] | date=17 June 2023 | url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2023/06/17/chenab-valley-shaken-by-another-aftershock-4-4-magnitude-earthquake-jolts-doda-kishtwar-districts/ | access-date=17 June 2023 | page=}}</ref> While [[United States Geological Survey]] measured this earthquake as 4.3 magnitude.<ref name="xnk0y">{{cite web | title=M 4.3 - 17 km ESE of Kishtwār, India | url=https://staging-earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us7000k986/executive |website=USGS| access-date=18 June 2023 | page=}}</ref> On 18 June 2023, another earthquake hits Doda region with the intensity of 4.1 magnitude on richter scale at 03:50 am (IST).<ref name="wyxdk">{{cite web | title=Aftershocks Continue to Jolt Chenab Valley: 4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Erstwhile Doda Region | website=[[The Chenab Times]] | date=18 June 2023 | url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2023/06/18/aftershocks-continue-to-jolt-chenab-valley-4-1-magnitude-earthquake-hits-erstwhile-doda-region/ | access-date=18 June 2023 | page=}}</ref> On the same day at 05:22 am IST, an earthquake having epicenter in Doda district with intensity of 2.7 magnitude jolts the region.<ref name="gudsl">{{cite web | title=Official Website of National Center of Seismology | website=Official Website of National Center of Seismology | date=18 June 2023 | url=https://riseq.seismo.gov.in/riseq/interactive/index/K0p5N1RnenYrNUFSTHZGWEo1L1RPQT09/Reviewed | access-date=18 June 2023 | page=}}</ref> The severity of the damage caused by the earthquake is attributed to severe upthrust. At least 56 buildings had collapsed and 369 others were damaged in [[Kishtwar]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=5 mild earthquakes jolt Doda-Kishtwar; no loss reported, schools closed|url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/5-mild-earthquakes-jolt-doda-kishtwar-no-loss-reported-schools-closed/|date=15 June 2023|access-date=15 June 2023|newspaper=[[Daily Excelsior]]}}</ref> Dozens of buildings including a hospital were also damaged in [[Bhaderwah]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Two injured as earthquake damages residential houses, govt offices in Bhaderwah|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/story/chenab-valley/two-injured-as-earthquake-damages-residential-houses-govt-offices-in-bhaderwah|date=13 June 2023|access-date=15 June 2023|newspaper=[[Greater Kashmir]]}}</ref> At least five people were injured and hundreds were displaced.<ref name="indiatoday">{{Cite news|title=3 earthquakes jolt Jammu and Kashmir's Doda, Katra areas|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/earthquake-jammu-kashmir-katra-doda-tremors-epicentre-magnitude-2392793-2023-06-14|date=14 June 2023|access-date=15 June 2023|newspaper=[[India Today]]}}</ref><ref name="vu7gd">{{cite web | title=Earthquake in Kashmir; 4 injured, several buildings develop cracks in Doda district | website=[[The Indian Express]] | date=13 June 2023 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/earthquake-delhi-ncr-india-8660401/ | access-date=17 June 2023 | page=}}</ref> Schools were closed on 14 June to evaluate damage.<ref name="cvvib">{{cite web | title=Precautionary Closure of Schools in Thathri, Gandoh and Bhaderwah Education Zones Amid Ongoing Aftershocks | website=[[The Chenab Times]] | date=14 June 2023 | url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2023/06/14/precautionary-closure-of-schools-in-thathri-gandoh-and-bhaderwah-education-zones-amid-ongoing-aftershocks/ | access-date=17 June 2023 | page=}}</ref>

== Accidents ==

===2018 Kela Morh Ramban Accident===

On October 6, 2018, a tragic accident occurred on the [[National Highway 44 (India)|Jammu-Srinagar national highway]] in [[Ramban district]] near Marog, specifically at Kela Morh. A minibus carrying passengers from [[Banihal]] to [[Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir|Ramban]] plunged into a gorge after its driver lost control over the vehicle.<ref name="d781">{{cite news | title=21 dead as mini-bus falls into gorge on Jammu-Srinagar national highway | website=DNA India | date=6 October 2018 |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-21-dead-as-mini-bus-falls-into-gorge-on-jammu-srinagar-national-highway-2672395/amp | access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref>

The accident resulted in the loss of twenty-two lives, including four women and the driver. Additionally, fourteen passengers sustained injuries, with ten of them being critically injured. Prompt medical assistance was provided, and ten critically injured passengers were airlifted to the army hospital at Udhampur, while two others were taken to Jammu for treatment.<ref name="m988">{{cite news | title=22 dead as mini-bus falls into gorge on Jammu-Srinagar highway | website=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]] | date=20 October 2018 |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/j-k/12-killed-as-minibus-falls-into-gorge-on-jammu-srinagar-highway-664136 | access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref>

Thirteen passengers with severe injuries were also airlifted to the military hospital in Udhampur. Two of them succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. On the other hand, three individuals with minor injuries were discharged after receiving first aid.<ref name="q883">{{cite news | title=22 killed as minibus plunges into gorge in Ramban on J-K highway | website=[[Hindustan Times]] | date=6 October 2018 |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/15-feared-killed-14-injured-as-minibus-plunges-into-gorge-in-j-k-s-ramban/story-K3LxFdOvetblFoUaaxMrDO.html | access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref>

The tragic incident was investigated by then Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range DIG Rafiq-ul-Hassan, who confirmed that the minibus veered off the road at approximately 9:55 am. There were conflicting versions on whether the driver, Rehmatullah, lost control of the bus or the vehicle developed a technical snag.<ref name="q883"/>

=== 2021 Sui Gwari Accident ===

The Sui Gwari Accident occurred on October 28, 2021, in the [[Doda district]] of Jammu and Kashmir. A tragic incident involving a mini-bus with the registration number JK17 4021 took place on the [[National Highway 244 (India)|Batote-Kishtwar highway]]. The mini-bus was en route from [[Thathri]] to [[Doda, Jammu and Kashmir|Doda]] when it skidded off the road, rolled down a deep gorge near Sui Gowari, and resulted in a devastating accident.<ref name="x128">{{cite news | title=11 killed, 14 injured as mini-bus falls into gorge in Jammu and Kashmir's Doda | website=[[The Hindu]] | date=28 October 2021 | url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/many-killed-injured-as-mini-bus-falls-into-gorge-in-jks-doda/article37206447.ece | access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref>

In the accident, eight people lost their lives on the spot, while several others sustained severe injuries. The injured victims were immediately rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.<ref name="h067">{{cite news | title=Doda accident Injured driver succumbs, toll reaches 14 | website=[[Greater Kashmir]] | date=30 October 2021 | url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/kashmir-todays-paper/doda-accident-injured-driver-succumbs-toll-reaches-14 | access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref>

Six more individuals succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at the Government Medical College in Doda and GMC Jammu. As a result, the total death toll reached fourteen.<ref name="j733">{{cite news | title=After fighting with life for three days, the driver of the Suigwari Doda minibus succumbs, death toll rises to 14 | website=[[The Chenab Times]] | date=30 October 2021 | url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2021/10/30/after-fighting-with-life-for-three-days-the-driver-of-the-suigwari-doda-minibus-succumbs-death-toll-rises-to-14/ | access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref>

In response to the incident, Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced ex gratia payments to the next of kin of the deceased and the injured persons.<ref name="r580">{{cite news | title=10 killed in J&K's Doda, PM announces ex-gratia | date=20 October 2021 | url=http://www.uniindia.com/news/north/10-killed-in-j-k-s-doda-pm-announces-ex-gratia/2546977.html | publisher= [[United News of India]] | access-date=1 August 2023}}</ref>

== Cloudbursts ==

=== 2017 Thathri Flash Floods ===
On July 22, 2017, flash floods wreaked havoc in Thathri town of Doda district. The floods inundated vast areas along the [[National Highway 244 (India)|Batote-Kishtwar National Highway]] and washed away half a dozen houses. Tragically, six lives were lost in the flash floods.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/monsoon-active-across-india-6-killed-in-jk-flash-floods/articleshow/59714097.cms|title=Chenab Valley: 6 Killed in Thathri Floods|date=22 July 2017|publisher=[[Times of India]]|access-date=31 July 2021}}</ref>

=== [[Hunzar Kishtwar Cloudburst 2021]] ===
On July 28, 2021, a devastating cloudburst hit the Hunzar hamlet in Dachhan area of [[Kishtwar district]]. The cloudburst resulted in the unfortunate loss of 26 lives and left 17 individuals injured. The aftermath of the cloudburst had a significant impact on the affected community, with search and rescue efforts ongoing to locate missing persons.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Kishtwar Cloudburst: Two More Bodies Recovered, Toll Reaches 7, Says Officials|url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2021/07/28/kishtwar-cloudburst-two-more-bodies-recovered-toll-reaches-7-says-officials/|date=28 July 2021|publisher=[[The Chenab Times]]|access-date=31 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Hunzer Kishtwar Cloudburst: Body of one out of 19 missing people found after 70 days|url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2021/10/05/hunzer-kishtwar-cloudburst-body-of-one-out-of-19-missing-people-found-after-70-days/|date=5 October 2021|publisher=[[The Chenab Times]]|access-date=7 October 2021}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Chenab Valley]]
[[Category:Disasters in Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category:Lists of disasters in India|Chenab]]