Torrential rains have unleashed unprecedented chaos in Jammu and Kashmir, with flash floods submerging large parts of the Jammu division and prompting the evacuation of over 5,000 people from low-lying areas and riverbanks. The relentless downpour, which recorded a staggering 380 mm of rainfall in just 24 hours—the highest since 1910—has triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, leaving the region grappling with a severe humanitarian crisis.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local volunteers working tirelessly to evacuate stranded residents from flood-hit areas in Jammu and Samba districts. Over 3,500 people were rescued in Jammu district alone on Tuesday, with relief camps established at locations like the Youth Hostel to provide shelter, food, and medical aid. Community kitchens in Muthi and Satwari are distributing meals, while medical teams are stationed at major relief sites to assist those affected.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, actively monitoring the crisis, emphasized the coordinated efforts between the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and the Divisional Commissioner’s office. “We are ensuring an adequate supply of relief materials and all possible assistance to those affected,” Sinha stated on X, adding that he has directed officials to prioritize the restoration of power, water, and communication services in areas where floodwaters are receding.
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The floods have inundated 20–30 low-lying localities, including Peerkho, Gujjar Nagar, R S Pura, Nikki Tawi, Beli Charan, Gurkhanagar, Qasim Nagar, Rajiv Nagar, Akhnoor, and Pargwal, with the swollen Tawi River forcing mass evacuations along its banks. While the Tawi’s water levels have started to recede, the Chenab River remains dangerously close to the danger mark, heightening concerns about further flooding. The historic Madhopur bridge on the Jammu–Pathankot highway has been damaged, halting traffic since 3 a.m. Wednesday, and schools and colleges across the region have been shut to ensure public safety.
Adding to the crisis, telecom services have collapsed across large parts of Jammu and Kashmir due to widespread damage to optical fiber networks. This communication blackout has hampered emergency response efforts and caused widespread panic among residents. In response, the Centre has directed telecom providers, including Bharti Airtel, BSNL, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone-Idea, to activate intra-circle roaming (ICR) in Jammu and Kashmir until September 2 to ensure connectivity for residents and in-roamers. The Department of Telecommunications’ disaster management unit issued the order, citing the need to address the crisis caused by four days of relentless rain and landslides. Technical teams from telecom operators are working urgently to restore services, with the government emphasizing the priority of re-establishing communication networks.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh, in close contact with Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, urged the public to cooperate with authorities and avoid panic. “The Prime Minister is closely monitoring the situation,” Singh noted on X, highlighting the administration’s commitment to restoring essential services like electricity, water, and mobile connectivity. Kumar is leading multi-departmental efforts to clear debris and restore road connectivity, with the Indian Air Force also on standby to airlift relief materials to remote areas.
The administration has released helpline numbers for affected districts, including Jammu (0191-2571616, 0191-2520542), Samba (01923-241004), Kathua (01922-238796), Doda (95967762043), and Kishtwar (9484217492), urging residents to stay vigilant and avoid water bodies. As the region braces for continued rainfall, the focus remains on rescuing stranded individuals, providing relief, and restoring critical infrastructure to mitigate the devastating impact of this historic deluge.
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