Heavy Rains Lash J&K; Flash Floods, Rising Rivers, Mudslides Disrupt Traffic on NH-44
Heavy Rains Lash J&K; Flash Floods, Rising Rivers, Mudslides Disrupt Traffic on NH-44
Rajouri Worst Hit as Overnight Deluge Sweeps Away Vehicles; NH-44 Traffic Affected, Water Levels Under Close Watch; CM Omar Abdullah Closely Monitors Situation, Assures Full Support
Widespread heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir during the intervening night, triggering flash floods, rising water levels in rivers and nallahs, mudslides and traffic disruptions, while authorities remained on high alert across the Union Territory.
According to details available with news agency that, in Kashmir division, heavy rains were reported from Srinagar, Budgam, Kupwara, Baramulla, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora, Ganderbal and several districts of the Jammu division, with Rajouri, Reasi witnessing the worst impact.
An intense spell of rain between 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM triggered flash floods in several areas of Rajouri, causing extensive damage. Initial reports indicate that dozens of vehicles were washed away or damaged, while several residential and commercial structures also suffered damage due to the sudden flooding.
In Poonch district, the water level in Mendhar Nallah touched 6 feet, reaching the official alert level around 7:00 AM, though it remained one foot below the danger mark, officials said.
However, by 7:30 AM, the water level in Mendhar Nallah receded to 5 feet, remaining one foot below the alert level.
Authorities also monitored the Rajouri Tawi, where the river briefly crossed the alert level of 3.50 metres, reaching 3.80 metres before beginning to recede. By 7:00 AM, the water level had fallen to 3.0 metres, officials said.
Similarly, the Nowshera Tawi in Rajouri also showed a declining trend. As per the 7:40 AM update, the river level stood at 4.30 metres, below its 5.0-metre alert level.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall also affected traffic movement on the strategic Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44).
Officials said mudslides and shooting stones occurred at multiple locations in the up tube between Jakhiani and Chenani, prompting immediate restoration work by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
The down tube near Dewal, which had earlier been restored, sustained fresh damage due to overnight rains. Consequently, traffic is currently being regulated through the up tube on a two-way basis until repair work is completed.
Authorities have advised commuters to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel in vulnerable areas as restoration operations continue.
The Meteorological Department has already forecast widespread rainfall over Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, warning of the possibility of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and shooting stones in vulnerable areas.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he has been closely monitoring the situation arising from the extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu, particularly Rajouri town and surrounding areas.
“Since first light this morning I’ve been closely monitoring the situation arising from the extremely heavy rain in parts of Jammu, especially Rajouri town & surrounding areas,” the Chief Minister said in a post on X.
He said he has been in constant touch with the local MLAs of the affected region and stressed that the administration’s foremost priority is to safeguard human lives.
“I’ve been in touch with the local MLAs of the region. While the situation continues to unfold, the first priority of the administration is to safeguard precious lives. The government will do everything possible to aid & assist affected people who have suffered property loss/damage due to the rains & flash floods,” Omar Abdullah said.
District administrations and disaster management authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, while people living near rivers, nallahs and landslide-prone areas have been advised to remain alert and follow official advisories.