How Do Floods in Jammu Affect Local Communities?
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Synopsis
The recent floods in Jammu have devastated local communities, causing loss of life and extensive infrastructure damage. As weather conditions are expected to improve, the region faces the aftermath of these disasters, highlighting the urgent need for recovery efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Floods caused significant disruption in Jammu, affecting lives and infrastructure.
- Two lives lost due to a house collapse in Rajouri district.
- BSF rescued 47 villagers trapped in the Chenab River.
- Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed due to landslides.
- Authorities have initiated evacuations and relief efforts for affected residents.
Srinagar/Jammu, Sep 4 (NationPress) Floods in the Jammu division have caused significant destruction over the past 24 hours; however, the absence of rainfall has led to a drop in water levels in the rivers of Kashmir as of Thursday morning.
Authorities reported that two individuals lost their lives when their residence collapsed in Rajouri district, and a driver, along with his vehicle, was swept away in the Ban Talab region of Jammu on Wednesday.
BSF personnel conducted aerial rescues, saving 47 villagers trapped in the severely flooded Chenab River within the Garkhal region of Pargwal sector in Jammu district.
Infrastructure including roads, water supply, and electricity faced severe damage in Jammu division during this period.
The Chenab River was flowing approximately 8 to 9 feet above the danger level at Akhnoor in Jammu district, while the Tawi River approached the danger mark at 16 feet. Rivers such as Ravi, Ujh, Basantar, Devak, and Tarnah were all at flood levels this morning.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, along with Batote, Kishtwar, and Mughal roads, remained impassable due to extensive landslides.
Emergency teams including NDRF/SDRF and police were dispatched to flood-affected and vulnerable areas throughout the Jammu division.
In Rajouri district, a woman and her daughter tragically lost their lives when a wall and part of their house collapsed during the heavy rains in Kagri village, Sunderbani area, while they were asleep.
The driver of a Tata Mobile load carrier was carried away with his vehicle in a Nallah near the CRPF Camp in the Ban Talab region of Jammu.
As the water levels rose in the swollen River Tawi in Jammu city this morning, authorities initiated a multi-agency operation to reinforce embankments near the compromised fourth bridge, aiming to prevent flooding in low-lying areas. Earlier heavy rains had damaged the access road leading to the fourth Tawi bridge, leaving vehicles stranded on August 26.
Jammu city has been isolated from three major roadways due to landslides on the Panjtirthi-Sidhra road, mudslides on the Manda-Nagrota road, and the closure of a bridge over the Chenab River at Akhnoor. Numerous localities in Jammu experienced flooding, with rainwater from various nallahs inundating homes and shops, particularly in areas such as Kabir Nagar, Talab Tiloo, Bathindi, Channi, Nanak Nagar, Canal Road, Rajiv Nagar, Satwari Nai Basti, Ban Talab, Lower Roop Nagar, Janipur, Paloura, and Muthin, causing considerable losses.
Many city areas remained inundated throughout Wednesday, hindering traffic flow. Officials noted that multiple roads, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, Batote-Doda-Kishtwar, Jammu-Katra-Reasi-Mahore, Akhnoor-Rajouri-Poonch, Kathua-Basohli-Billawar, and Bani roads, have been closed due to landslides.
Hundreds of vehicles remain stranded on various sections of the Jammu-Srinagar highway.
In the Valley, officials have begun the evacuation of residents from flood-affected areas in Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama, and Srinagar districts, relocating them to relief shelters, though many chose to stay with relatives in safer locations.
With no rain recorded in the Valley over the past 24 hours, water levels in all rivers and streams began to decrease this morning. All educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, have been closed for the day as a precautionary measure.
The Meteorological (MeT) department has predicted a positive shift in the overall weather conditions across the union territory starting Thursday.
Point of View
The ongoing flood crisis in Jammu highlights the vulnerabilities of communities to extreme weather events. It emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response systems to protect lives and livelihoods in the face of such natural disasters. Our commitment to providing timely and accurate information remains steadfast as we navigate these challenges together.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the floods in Jammu?
The floods in Jammu were primarily caused by heavy rainfall and subsequent water overflow in rivers, leading to severe inundation in many areas.
How are local authorities responding to the flood crisis?
Local authorities have deployed emergency teams, including NDRF and SDRF, to assist with rescues, evacuations, and infrastructure repairs in affected areas.
What safety measures are being taken for residents?
Residents are being evacuated to relief shelters, and authorities are reinforcing embankments to prevent further flooding.
Are any roads closed due to the floods?
Yes, several major roads including Jammu-Srinagar National Highway are closed due to landslides and flood damage.
Is the weather expected to improve soon?
Yes, the Meteorological department has forecasted an improvement in weather conditions starting Thursday.
