Continuous torrential rainfall across Jammu Division has triggered a severe flood emergency, with multiple rivers crossing danger levels, roads washed away, and transport services disrupted. Authorities have issued urgent warnings to residents in flood-prone areas as weather forecasts predict further heavy downpours.
Heavy Rainfall Triggers Widespread Flooding in Jammu Division
Over the past 24 hours, Jammu Division has witnessed relentless rainfall, resulting in rapidly rising water levels in major rivers and tributaries. The Meteorological Department has warned of more showers in the coming hours, increasing the threat of flash floods and landslides.
The situation has escalated after the Madhopur Barrage overflow crossed 1,00,000 cusecs, flooding several low-lying villages, including Bagthali, Massos Pur, Keerian Gandial, Barni, Dhanna, Dhanore, Karyali, and nearby areas. Local authorities have urged residents to remain on high alert and prepare for possible evacuations.
Ujh River Nears Critical Levels in Kathua District
The Ujh River in Kathua has risen dangerously close to its threshold.
- At Panjtirthi, the current discharge stands at 78,750 cusecs against the danger mark of 88,000 cusecs.
- At Kathua, levels have reached 83,834 cusecs, nearing the critical point of 95,099 cusecs.
Officials have cautioned that if water flow exceeds 1.35 lakh cusecs at Panjtirthi or 1.44 lakh cusecs at Kathua, immediate evacuations will be initiated.
Basanter River Crosses Danger Mark in Samba District
In Samba, the Basanter River has already breached the 4.5 ft danger mark and continues to rise. Disaster management teams are on standby, with vulnerable areas being closely monitored.
Multiple Rivers Rising Simultaneously
Flood alerts have been sounded as several rivers and streams rise simultaneously, including:
- Taranah River
- Ujh River
- Maggar Khad
- Sahar Khad
- Ravi River and its tributaries
This simultaneous surge has intensified the risk of flash floods across Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, and adjoining districts.
Connectivity Severely Affected by Floods and Landslides
The continuous rainfall has wreaked havoc on road and rail connectivity:
- A portion of the Padder road near Traith Nallah has been washed away.
- Sinthan Top and Margan Top have been closed due to landslides.
- The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway has been suspended following landslides and stone shooting at Chanderkote, Kela Morh, and Battery Cheshma in Ramban district.
- Ramnagar-Udhampur road in Udhampur and Jangalwar-Thathri road in Doda remain blocked.
These disruptions have left many areas cut off, delaying relief operations and affecting supply chains.
Tawi River Crosses Evacuation Level at Udhampur
At Udhampur, the Tawi River has crossed the evacuation threshold of 24.975 ft, surpassing danger levels. In Jammu city, the river remains below the alert mark but is expected to swell further in the coming hours. Officials warn of possible flooding in downstream areas if heavy rainfall persists.
Railway Services Disrupted in Flood-Hit Areas
Heavy downpours have also hit rail connectivity. As a precaution, authorities have suspended down-line train services over bridge number 232 between PTKC–KNDI. While the up-line is still operational, trains are either running on single-track operations or being diverted via the PTK–ASR route to ensure passenger safety.
Damage to Homes and Property Reported
Initial reports from Kishtwar, Doda, and Rajouri suggest damage to nearly a dozen houses and cowsheds in higher reaches due to landslides and flash floods. Authorities continue to assess the extent of losses as weather conditions remain unstable.
Rainfall Statistics Across Jammu Division
According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall levels in the last 24 hours have been alarming:
- Kathua: 155.6 mm (highest)
- Bhaderwah (Doda): 99.8 mm
- Jammu: 81.5 mm
- Katra: 68.8 mm
With more heavy showers predicted, authorities fear further rise in water levels across rivers and streams.
Authorities Issue Flood and Landslide Advisory
Disaster management officials have issued strict advisories, urging residents in flood-prone areas to:
- Avoid riverbanks and water bodies.
- Keep emergency supplies ready.
- Refrain from traveling on hilly and landslide-prone roads.
- Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
The forecast predicts moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar districts until August 27, with possibilities of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in higher altitudes.
High Alert Continues in Jammu Division
The Jammu Division remains on critical flood alert as rivers swell, landslides block vital roads, and transport services remain disrupted. With weather officials predicting more rainfall, the situation could worsen in the next 48 hours.
Authorities are prioritizing evacuation measures, disaster response readiness, and public safety advisories to minimize losses. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with local administration until the danger subsides.
