Is Jammu Facing Severe Flooding as Tawi and Chenab Rivers Exceed Danger Levels?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rivers in Jammu are experiencing alarming flood levels.
- Authorities have closed schools and major highways.
- The impact of heavy rainfall is widespread across the region.
- Residents are urged to stay alert and informed.
- Flood safety precautions are essential for the community.
Jammu, Sep 3 (NationPress) Continuous rainfall has led to a significant rise in water levels across various rivers and streams in the Jammu division. On Wednesday, the water levels in the Tawi, Chenab, Basantar, and Ujh rivers surpassed the flood alert threshold, prompting authorities to utilize loudspeakers to alert residents in Jammu city.
According to official reports, substantial rainfall (mm) has been recorded from Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. until today at 5:30 a.m. with Jammu receiving 81mm, Reasi 203mm, Katra 193mm, Samba 48mm, Ramban 82mm, Baderwah 96.2mm, Batote 157.3mm, Doda 114mm, Kishtwar 50mm, Banihal 95mm, Rajouri 57.4mm, Pahlgam 55mm, Kokernag 68.2mm, Srinagar observatory 32mm, and Qazigund 68mm, respectively.
In response, authorities have suspended all schools, degree colleges, and coaching centers throughout the Jammu division for the day to protect the safety of students and staff. The Srinagar-Jammu national highway, Mughal Road, and Sinthan Top are currently closed to traffic.
The Tawi River's water level has surpassed the evacuation point in Udhampur, while Jammu city has also crossed the flood alert mark.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are stationed at the Tawi Bridge, advising the public regarding the river's water level.
The Chenab River at Akhnoor has also exceeded the flood alert level, now approaching the evacuation limit.
Likewise, the Basantar River in the Samba district and the Ujh River in Kathua district have crossed flood thresholds.
In the Valley, both the Sheshnag stream in Pahalgam and the Vishow stream in Kulgam district have surpassed flood levels.
Meanwhile, the water levels in the Jhelum River at Sangam in Anantnag and at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar city remain below the flood alert mark.
Due to multiple landslides and falling rocks, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway has been closed, prompting the traffic department to advise against travel on this route.
The Meteorological (MeT) Department has predicted a continuation of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Jammu, Kathua, Reasi, Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri, and Ramban over the next 12 hours. Moderate to heavy rainfall and brief intense showers are also expected in many areas of the Pir Panjal range and South Kashmir, with significant rainfall projected for Kishtwar, Poonch, Anantnag, Shopian, and Kulgam. There is a risk of cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging in several vulnerable locations. Residents are urged to remain vigilant and informed.