Incessant rainfall has swollen rivers, streams, and seasonal waterways across Jammu and Kashmir, with major rivers such as the Tawi and Ravi flowing above the danger mark on Tuesday.
Officials said that at 9:15 a.m., the Tawi River was flowing at 24.97 ft, well above the flood level of 20 ft and exceeding the evacuation threshold of 23.4 ft. In Jammu city, the river is rapidly approaching the danger mark, raising fears of inundation.
In Kathua district, the Ravi River has breached its banks at several locations, flooding low-lying areas including Bagthali, Massos Pur, Keerian Gandial, Barni, Dhanna, Dhanore, and Karyali villages. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
The Ujh River in Kathua is also nearing the danger mark, while the Basantar River in Samba district has already crossed it. The Ujh was reported to be flowing dangerously close to the red line at Panjtirthi on Tuesday morning. Officials confirmed that water levels in the Taranah, Ujh, Maggar Khad, Sahar Khad, and Ravi rivers, along with their tributaries in Kathua, are rising simultaneously and posing a serious threat.
In Kishtwar district, a portion of the Paddar road has been washed away near the Traith Nallah, while the Sinthan Top pass connecting the Valley with Kishtwar has been closed for traffic. In the Bhaderwah area of Doda district, a flash flood was reported in the Neeru Nallah.
Authorities across affected districts are on high alert, with evacuation operations underway to shift people from vulnerable areas to safer locations. Helplines have been activated, and the police, flood control, irrigation, health, and emergency services departments have been instructed to remain fully mobilized. Officials engaged in flood protection duties have been barred from taking leave, except for medical emergencies.
According to the Meteorological Department, rainfall recorded in the Jammu division in the last 24 hours (till 8:30 a.m. Tuesday) was significant: Jammu – 81.5 mm, Banihal – 28.3 mm, Batote – 36.9 mm, Katra – 68.8 mm, Bhaderwah – 99.8 mm, Kathua – 155.6 mm, Jammu Airport – 81.4 mm, Udhampur – 92.4 mm, Ramban – 29.5 mm, Kishtwar – 34.0 mm, Rajouri – 0.4 mm, Reasi – 67.0 mm, and Samba – 99.5 mm.
The MeT Department has issued an advisory forecasting intense to very heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in the Jammu division and heavy rain in Kashmir on Tuesday. People have been strictly advised to stay away from riverbanks, streams, and nallahs, and to avoid landslide-prone areas.
In a post on X, the District Magistrate, Jammu said, “Citizens of Jammu are requested to stay away from Tawi River banks. The water levels may reach danger mark within short period of time. In case of emergency, call these numbers 0191-2520542, 0191-2571616.”
(IANS)