Heavy rainfall lashed Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district from early Tuesday, prompting the district administration and police to issue advisories urging residents to remain alert amid the risk of rising river levels, flash floods, landslides and waterlogging.
The district administration advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during the ongoing spell of heavy rain and stay away from rivers, streams and flood-prone areas. People were also asked not to attempt crossing flooded roads or bridges and to follow weather updates and official instructions.
According to the advisory, residents have been urged to remain indoors unless travel is essential and to immediately contact the local administration or emergency services in case of any emergency.
Rajouri Police also issued an urgent advisory, warning that continuous rainfall could cause a rapid rise in river water levels.
“With heavy rainfall going on in areas of Rajouri, there is apprehension that the water level in rivers will increase rapidly,” the advisory said.
Police appealed to residents to remain vigilant, immediately vacate riverbanks and landslide-prone areas, and avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary.
Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh’s Sirmaur district, Deputy Commissioner Priyanka Verma said all educational institutions had been ordered to remain closed on July 20 and 21 following a red alert issued for the region.
Verma said three roads in Nahan were currently blocked due to adverse weather conditions.
She added that the district had recorded losses of Rs 16.98 crore between June 30 and July 19. During the period, eight people lost their lives, including two due to snakebites, five in road accidents and one in a fall, while two others were injured in accidents.
Verma said examinations conducted by Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) were scheduled to continue. IGNOU examinations slated for the day were deferred in line with the district administration’s orders and will be rescheduled, while HPU examinations scheduled for Tuesday will be held as planned, with an exemption to be incorporated in the administration’s order.
(With ANI inputs)
