Heavy rainfall on Tuesday disrupted mobile telephone and Internet services in the Valley, while major rivers in the Jammu division flowed above the danger mark, throwing normal life out of gear.
The sudden suspension of mobile and internet services by various providers further affected daily life across the Valley.
With the situation worsening in the Jammu division, the government has ordered the closure of all educational institutions on Wednesday.
“In view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions and flood-like situations at various places across the region, it is hereby ordered that all government as well as private schools in the Jammu division shall remain closed on August 27 (Wednesday),” a government order stated.
A bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot highway collapsed, forcing the closure of the route, while shooting stones blocked the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Fresh snowfall at Zojila Pass led to the closure of the Srinagar-Leh highway. Similarly, Sinthan Pass, connecting the Valley with Kishtwar, and Razdan Pass, leading to Gurez, have also been shut.
In Doda district, four people lost their lives due to the inclement weather—two in a house collapse and two after being swept away by flash floods.
The Tawi River is flowing well above the evacuation level in Jammu city and Udhampur, prompting the authorities to shut the Tawi Bridge in Jammu city. The Basantar River in Samba, Ujh River in Kathua, Chenab River in Doda, Ramban and Akhnoor, and rivers in Reasi, Kishtwar and other parts of Doda district are all flowing above the danger mark.
Several areas, including Janipur, Roop Nagar, Bhagwati Nagar, Gujar Nagar, Marh, and multiple villages in R.S. Pura and Akhnoor, have been inundated.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed all departments to remain on high alert and prepare for possible evacuations.
The Meteorological Department has said that while heavy rains continue in the Jammu division—though with slightly less intensity since the afternoon—the next 24 hours will be crucial.
“The weather is likely to improve from Wednesday afternoon onwards,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Met Department.
–IANS