J-K Crisis: Rescue Efforts Intensify as Devastation Spreads

Relentless torrential rains, now in their fourth day, have unleashed widespread devastation across Jammu and Kashmir, prompting large-scale evacuations and urgent rescue operations. The downpour has triggered landslides and flash floods, submerging low-lying areas, damaging infrastructure, and claiming lives, with officials scrambling to mitigate the crisis.

A catastrophic landslide struck the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine route near Adhkuwari on Tuesday, killing nine pilgrims and injuring 21 others. Rescue operations continue along the pilgrimage path, with teams working tirelessly to save those still at risk.

In Kishtwar’s remote Margi area, a flash flood swept away 10 homes and a critical bridge, though no immediate casualties were reported. In Kathua’s Lakhanpur village, 12 paramilitary personnel remain trapped in floodwaters, with rescue efforts underway to relocate them to safety.

The Jammu region has borne the brunt of the deluge, with rivers like the Tawi, Chenab, Ujh, Ravi, and Basanter swelling several feet above danger levels. In the Kashmir Valley, the Jhelum River has breached the 21-foot flood-alert mark at Sangam in Anantnag and is dangerously close to the 18-foot alert level at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar.

The surging waters have forced thousands to flee low-lying areas along riverbanks across the Union Territory, with authorities evacuating residents to safer zones.

Also Read: Floods Devastate Nanded, Villages Isolated

The relentless rains have inflicted massive damage on public infrastructure, destroying key bridges, homes, and commercial establishments. Overflowing rivers and flash floods have left a trail of destruction, submerging agricultural lands and disrupting connectivity.

As the crisis deepens, officials are intensifying efforts to provide relief and restore normalcy in the flood-ravaged regions of Jammu and Kashmir.

Also Read: Catastrophic Floods Kill Over 300 in Northwest Pakistan