In response to devastating floods and landslides triggered by record-breaking rainfall in Jammu, ministers and top officials have mobilized to support affected communities, focusing on relief and rehabilitation efforts across the region. The heavy rains, which battered the Jammu division over the past two days, claimed 45 lives, including 34 victims of a catastrophic landslide on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, and left 20 others injured.

Multiple agencies, including the Public Works Department, Jammu Municipal Corporation, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have intensified operations to clear debris, restore water, power, and road connectivity, and evacuate residents from low-lying areas in Jammu and Samba districts. Over 12,000 people have been safely evacuated, with many returning to their inundated homes as river levels, including those of the Tawi, Chenab, Basantar, Ravi, and Ujh, begin to recede, offering relief to Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh assessed flood-hit areas along the Udhampur highway, while Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary supervised relief efforts in Jammu’s worst-affected zones. Minister Javed Rana toured villages like Bharmini, Ghura, Sarari, Bathindi, Sunjwan, and Chatha, visiting relief camps such as Dongi Higher Secondary School to ensure displaced families receive adequate food, water, and medical support. Minister Satish Sharma inspected flood-ravaged areas in Khour sub-division, including Dhar Khour, Channi Dawnoo, Thangar, and Block Samwan, where connectivity to nearly 50 villages remains disrupted.

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The Indian Army has played a critical role, constructing a Bailey Bridge near the collapsed fourth Tawi River bridge to restore access and deploying 28 columns for rescue and relief across Jammu, Samba, and nearby areas. The Indian Air Force conducted over 55 sorties, rescuing 215 people and airlifting 7,300 kg of essential supplies. A dedicated help desk at Jammu Tawi railway station is assisting stranded passengers after Northern Railways cancelled 45 trains to and from Jammu and Katra on August 30.

Despite receding waters, extensive damage to bridges, homes, and commercial establishments persists, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting moderate to heavy rainfall after August 30. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, after briefing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasized restoring power, communication, and water supply, with over 5,000 people already relocated to safety. The administration remains on high alert, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah scheduled to visit on August 31 to assess damages and coordinate further relief.

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