Incessant rainfall has wreaked havoc across Jammu and Kashmir, swelling rivers and streams beyond safe limits. The Tawi, Chenab, Basantar, and Ujh rivers have crossed flood alert marks, forcing authorities to sound emergency warnings in Jammu city on Wednesday.
Loudspeakers echoed across low-lying areas as officials urged residents to stay vigilant. The situation remains tense with several rivers nearing evacuation levels.
Rainfall Records Shatter Across Jammu & Kashmir
According to official data, torrential rain lashed the region between Tuesday 8:30 p.m. and Wednesday 5:30 a.m.
- Jammu: 81 mm
- Reasi: 203 mm
- Katra: 193 mm
- Samba: 48 mm
- Ramban: 82 mm
- Bhaderwah: 96.2 mm
- Batote: 157.3 mm
- Doda: 114 mm
- Kishtwar: 50 mm
- Banihal: 95 mm
- Rajouri: 57.4 mm
- Pahalgam: 55 mm
- Kokernag: 68.2 mm
- Srinagar: 32 mm
- Qazigund: 68 mm
The highest impact has been felt in Reasi and Katra, where rainfall exceeded 190 mm, triggering landslides and waterlogging.
Schools, Colleges, and Roads Closed
In a precautionary measure, authorities have shut all schools, degree colleges, and coaching centres across the Jammu division. This step aims to safeguard students and staff from the worsening conditions.
Meanwhile, major roadways have been blocked:
- Srinagar–Jammu National Highway
- Mughal Road
- Sinthan Top
The traffic police have issued an advisory warning commuters to avoid unnecessary travel.
Rising River Levels Raise Evacuation Concerns
The Tawi River in Udhampur has already crossed the evacuation mark, while in Jammu city, water levels continue to breach alert thresholds.
At Akhnoor, the Chenab River is dangerously close to evacuation levels, while the Basantar (Samba) and Ujh (Kathua) rivers have also surpassed flood marks.
In South Kashmir, the Sheshnag stream (Pahalgam) and the Vishow stream (Kulgam) have crossed flood limits.
However, the Jhelum River at Sangam (Anantnag) and Ram Munshi Bagh (Srinagar) remains just below flood levels for now.
Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are stationed at key points like the Tawi Bridge, monitoring water flow and warning citizens.
Landslides, Cloudburst Threats, and MeT Forecast
Multiple landslides and shooting stones have cut off the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, worsening travel woes.
The Meteorological Department has issued a grim forecast:
- Heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in Jammu, Kathua, Reasi, Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri, Ramban.
- Moderate to heavy showers expected in Pir Panjal and South Kashmir districts.
- High risk of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides over the next 12 hours.
Residents are urged to stay indoors, avoid riverbanks, and remain alert.
With rivers swelling and infrastructure collapsing, Jammu and Kashmir is on high alert. The combination of record rainfall, road closures, and flood warnings paints a dangerous picture for the days ahead. Authorities continue to onitor the situation closely, but citizens are advised to prioritize safety above all else.
