Relentless heavy rainfall has pounded the Jammu region since Monday night, unleashing flash floods, landslides, and mudslides across multiple districts, officials reported Tuesday. The downpour has caused significant damage, including the destruction of infrastructure, road blockages, and loss of livestock, prompting authorities to shut schools and issue safety alerts.

The Meteorological Department recorded staggering rainfall between 0830 hours Monday and 0630 hours Tuesday, with Reasi bearing the brunt at 280.5 mm, followed by Kathua with 148 mm, and both Samba and Jammu districts logging 96 mm each. The intense rains have triggered widespread disruptions, though no human casualties have been reported.

In Poonch district’s Surankote area, a flash flood during the night of August 11-12 wreaked havoc on a local high school. The deluge swept away a 200-foot-long shed and a sports room, obliterating school records and equipment. “The damage is extensive, but thankfully, no lives were lost,” a local official said. In Rajouri’s Jaglanoo village, a collapsed cowshed resulted in the loss of livestock and property, compounding the region’s woes.

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Road connectivity has taken a severe hit. Landslides and debris have blocked critical routes, including the Kotranka–Khawas road at Kanja and the Rajouri–Thanamandi–Surankote road between DKG and Bufliyaz. The Ghambir Mughlan–Thanamandi road is also impassable at several points, such as Bhattian Morh. In Reasi, a landslide at Kandamorh in Tehsil Pouni halted traffic, though efforts are underway to clear the debris. The Jammu–Srinagar highway faced hours-long traffic jams at Jagti due to flooding, stranding commuters.

Rising water levels in rivers and streams, particularly the Chenab River in Reasi, have added to the crisis. A vital road patch at Gupt Kashi was washed away, isolating communities. Authorities have issued a high alert, urging residents to avoid water bodies and stay vigilant. “The situation is precarious, and we’re monitoring it closely,” a district official said.

The MeT department has issued a red warning for Udhampur, Reasi, Jammu, Samba, and Kathua, forecasting thunderstorms, lightning, gusty winds exceeding 60 kmph, and heavy rain above 15 mm/h through August 15. Residents are advised to follow weather updates and avoid travel in vulnerable areas.

Local communities are bracing for more challenges as the forecast predicts continued rain and thunderstorms. Emergency response teams are on standby, and authorities are working to restore connectivity and provide relief to affected areas.

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