Intense Rainfall Leads to Tragic Losses and Flooding Situations in J&K
Heavy Rain and Flooding Cause Destruction and Evacuations in Jammu and Kashmir
Heavy rainfall has battered the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) region for the past three days, causing significant damage and necessitating evacuations.
According to the Meteorological Department, improved weather is expected from Thursday, but a warning has been issued for possible rain and thunder in Jammu until September 7. From September 8-11, moderate rain is expected in some districts.
The heavy rains have claimed two lives in the frontier district of Rajouri, with Sita Devi and Sonia Rattan Lal losing their lives when a house's wall collapsed in the Sunderbani area. Another man is currently missing near Bantalab, Jammu, and search operations are ongoing.
Tributaries like Vishow Nallah and Rambiyara Nallah have neared critical levels, causing flooding in Srinagar. In eastern Doda, over 60 houses were destroyed, 150 severely damaged, and 350-400 partially affected. Families from Purana Daroor village, whose homes were severely damaged, were temporarily relocated to Shakti Bhawan, Niharika Complex in Katra.
Key routes, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Jammu-Pathankot Highway, and Mughal Road, have been blocked by landslides and mudslides. Over 2,500 people were evacuated from Kulgam, 47 from Akhnoor, and 25 nomadic families from Anantnag.
The Tawi and Chenab rivers have exceeded danger marks in Jammu, threatening low-lying areas. The Jhelum River has breached danger levels at Sangam, Pampore, and Ram Munshi Bagh. The 4th Tawi Bridge collapsed, and the Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch Highway remains closed.
Internet and mobile phone services have been disrupted in several areas of J&K due to heavy rainfall and flooding. Authorities have ordered the closure of all educational institutions in the Kashmir Valley as a precautionary measure, and schools in the Jammu region remained shut on the 4th consecutive day Wednesday.
Relief supplies, including dry ration kits, utensils, blankets, medicines, buckets, tarpaulins, and tents, have been provided to 400 families. Medical camps were set up at Pallanwala and Palatan for evacuees.
The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board launched a major relief effort to support over 1,000 families affected by heavy rainfall and landslides in Katra, Reasi, and Udhampur districts. The Indian Army's 16 Corps, also known as the White Knight Corps, rescued 80-90 civilians in Akhnoor.
In response to the disaster, the Indian government has promised to provide immediate assistance and support to the affected areas.
