- Jammu-Poonch NH, interior roads blocked due to landslides
- Army Camp boundary wall collapses, flash flood alerts issued
- Katra received highest rainfall at 102.1 mm in last 24 hours
SAHIL VERMA
Jammu, July 22: Relentless monsoon rains have wreaked havoc across parts of the Jammu region for the second consecutive day, triggering landslides, causing structural damage, disrupting normal life, and prompting the closure of schools in multiple districts. The downpour, which began on Monday, has significantly intensified concerns of flash floods and landslides, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing alerts for several districts.
In Rajouri district, a 10-foot-high boundary wall of an Army camp collapsed near the local bus stand due to continuous rains, damaging three civilian vehicles, including a sports utility vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Meanwhile, a flood-like situation emerged in the district after the Dharhali and Saktoh rivers swelled dangerously, leading to widespread waterlogging in low-lying areas. The District Administration promptly ordered the closure of all government and private schools on Tuesday as a precautionary measure.
The Jammu-Poonch National Highway and several interior roads in Rajouri and Poonch districts faced temporary blockages due to landslides, further complicating movement and emergency response efforts. A culvert on the Chatral-Mendhar road in Poonch was washed away, cutting off road connectivity to nearly half-a-dozen remote villages. An earthmover engaged in road widening near Irwan Khanetar along the highway slipped into a gorge after the ground beneath it caved in, and a petrol pump in Poonch was also damaged in the onslaught.
Monday’s rainfall had already claimed two lives — a pilgrim and a minor student — after landslides struck the Vaishno Devi track in Reasi and a school building in Poonch. Several others, including a police officer, sustained injuries.
According to the Meteorological Department, Katra, the base camp for Vaishno Devi pilgrims, received the highest rainfall at 102.1 mm in the last 24 hours, followed by Jammu with 92.9 mm and Kathua with 37.4 mm.
In light of the deteriorating weather conditions, the IMD has issued a Flash Flood Guidance Bulletin warning of low to moderate flash flood risk in 12 districts: Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla, and Anantnag. District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have been instructed to take all necessary preventive measures and adhere to emergency protocols to safeguard lives and property.
The weather office has forecast continued moderate to heavy rainfall in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir till Thursday. Intense showers, gusty winds, heavy to very heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones are expected in vulnerable areas during this period.
Authorities are urging the public to remain alert, avoid venturing near swollen rivers and streams, and report any emergency to local disaster management cells as the region braces for more rain-induced challenges in the coming days.
