In a dramatic rescue mission on Wednesday, nine people narrowly escaped death after being trapped in the swollen waters of the Tawi River in Jammu and Kashmir. This life-threatening situation was caused by sudden and heavy rainfall that lashed various districts across the Union Territory, throwing life out of gear and causing traffic disruptions, mudslides, and local flooding.

The incident began early Wednesday morning as Jammu woke up to heavy rainfall. Within a few hours, water levels in the Tawi River surged, catching locals off guard. One of the earliest to get trapped was Madan Lal, a 52-year-old laborer involved in sand extraction near Jewel Chowk bridge. As the river swelled, he found himself stranded.

At the same time, others who had gone to the riverbank for rituals like ‘Pind Daan’, along with horse handlers and local vendors, were also cut off by the rising waters.

How Were the Nine People Rescued?

The rescue involved a coordinated effort between:

• Jammu Police
• SDRF (State Disaster Response Force)
• Traffic Police
• Local Volunteers

Key Steps in the Rescue Operation:

• The SDRF deployed rescue gear including ladders and ropes.
• A ladder was dropped from the Jewel Chowk bridge, allowing Madan Lal to climb up after being trapped for nearly two hours.
• The others, including tourists and locals, were pulled out using inflatable boats and safety ropes.
• Even several trapped horses were safely brought back to dry land.

Kudos to these unsung heroes for risking their lives in the floodwaters!

Read also: Myths and Legends of the Surya Putri Tawi

How Rainfall Affected Transportation in Jammu & Kashmir

The heavy rains didn’t just affect the Tawi River. They paralyzed one of the most important lifelines of the region—the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

Disruptions Noted:

• Landslides and mudslides at Mehad and T2 Tunnel in Ramban district.
• Traffic halted from both sides for over three hours.
• Authorities cleared debris using heavy machinery and restored flow by mid-morning.

In Rajouri:

• An overflowing stream created a flood-like situation in:
  • Kheora
  • Lower Jawahar Nagar
  • Thudi
• Parked vehicles were washed away due to the force of the stream.

Rainfall Data by District (Past 24 Hours)

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the following areas received significant rainfall:

This intense downpour within such a short duration was the main cause of flooding and mudslides in several districts.

Why the Sudden Surge in Tawi River Is Dangerous

The Tawi River, flowing through the heart of Jammu city, has a history of sudden level rise during heavy rainfall. Key risks include:

• Sand extraction activities near the riverbed
• Low-lying bridges and human encroachments
• Lack of flood-warning systems
• Fast upstream rainfall and poor drainage infrastructure

This makes it crucial for anyone living near rivers or water channels to be vigilant during monsoon months.

Important Safety Tips During Monsoon Season

1. Stay Updated: Follow IMD alerts, local weather updates, and news bulletins.
2. Avoid Riverbanks: Don’t go near rivers or nallahs, especially during or after rain.
3. Don’t Park Near Streams: Flooding can wash away vehicles.
4. Emergency Contacts: Keep helpline numbers handy – SDRF, Local Police, Fire & Emergency Services.
5. Plan Travel Smartly: Avoid non-essential travel if weather alerts are active.
6. Use Flashlights & Batteries: Power outages are common; keep your devices charged.

Why Jammu’s Topography Makes It Vulnerable

Jammu’s landscape includes:

• Riverine zones like Tawi, Chenab, Ujh
• Mountainous districts like Ramban and Poonch
• Poorly developed drainage in urban areas

These geographical conditions make the region highly vulnerable to flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging during monsoon.

Weather Forecast: What to Expect Till June 27

According to IMD:

• Light to moderate rain expected at many places in the Jammu Division.
• Heavy rainfall at isolated locations is likely.
• People are advised to avoid venturing into low-lying areas or along riverbanks.

Always check the Indian Meteorological Department’s official site before planning any travel in monsoon-prone zones.

Real-Time Tools for Monsoon Monitoring in Jammu & Kashmir

• IMD Mausam App – Daily forecasts and alerts
• Rain Alarm App – Shows real-time radar data
• Google Maps Live Traffic – Avoid blocked routes
• J&K Traffic Police Twitter – Regular NH updates

Voices from the Ground

Local residents have hailed the rescue efforts. One shopkeeper near Jewel Chowk said:

“Had the SDRF arrived even 30 minutes late, it could have been a disaster. The current was very strong.”

Another local said:

“We have seen the river rise before, but this time it came too quickly. Many of us had no idea what was happening.”

Help Create Awareness

Every monsoon, such incidents occur, risking lives and livelihoods. We urge you to share this article, educate your loved ones, and stay alert.

Together, we can reduce monsoon risks and create a safer environment for all.