Jammu, Aug 24: Torrential rains lashed parts of Jammu & Kashmir with Jammu city recording a precipitation of 190.4 mm in the last 24-hours, marking the second-highest August rainfall in nearly 100 years, according to data from Kashmir Weather.
Pertinently, the all-time highest rainfall of 228.6 mm was recorded on August 5, 1926.
The heavy rainfall has led to a flood-like situation in several low-lying areas, with rivers and streams, particularly in Kathua and Samba districts flowing near danger levels.
The Ujh River in Kathua recorded 108,750 cusecs, exceeding the danger mark of 88,000 cusecs, while the Basantar Nallah in Samba crossed its evacuation level of six feet, prompting authorities to issue a flood alert.
The low-lying areas like Bhawani Nagar in Janipur and Kabir Colony in Talab Tillo have reported severe waterlogging, with overflowing drains and submerged roads disrupting daily life.
Significant infrastructure damage has been reported, including a critical bridge near Logate Morh on the Jammu–Pathankot National Highway, which was washed away due to the swelling Sahar Khad river.
Meanwhile, the traffic has been diverted to an alternate bridge and the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has cleared landslides on the Mughal Road to restore the vehicular movement.
However, the Mughal Road and Sinthan Road remained temporarily closed due to ongoing landslide risks.
Notably, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the Jammu division, forecasting light to moderate rainfall with heavy showers in districts including Anantnag, Kulgam, Doda, Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Kishtwar, Reasi, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, and Udhampur until August 26.
Authorities have warned of potential cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides, urging residents to avoid rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas.
Furthermore, the Jammu and Kashmir Disaster Management Authority has advised residents to stay vigilant and dial 112 in emergencies.
It is worth mentioning here that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed all departments to remain on high alert, with control rooms actively monitoring the situation.
“Priority is being given to drainage in affected areas and the restoration of essential services like water supply and power,” the post by Officer of J&K CM on X, reads.
“Relief and rescue teams are on standby, and residents in vulnerable areas are urged to identify safer locations in consultation with local authorities.”
Also, the other districts in the Jammu division have also been severely impacted.
Reasi recorded the highest rainfall at 284 mm, followed by Katra (204 mm), Kathua (199 mm), Udhampur (166 mm), Samba (102 mm), and Jammu (160 mm in some areas).
While no casualties have been reported from the latest spell, the region remains on edge following recent tragedies, including a deadly cloudburst in Kishtwar earlier this month.
The administration continues to monitor rising water levels in major rivers and streams, with Deputy Commissioners issuing advisories to avoid water bodies and follow official weather updates.
The public is encouraged to stay cautious as the wet spell is expected to continue over the next 48 hours. (KNO)
