Multiple Rivers Swell In Jammu; Authorities On High Alert

Continuous heavy rainfall has led to rising water levels across the Jammu division, leaving the flood situation critical on Tuesday.

Major rivers such as the Tawi, Ravi, and Basantar have crossed or are nearing the danger mark, with further rainfall predicted.

In Jammu city, the Tawi River was flowing at 24.97 feet at 9.15 AM, far above the flood level of 20 feet and past the evacuation threshold of 23.4 feet.

Officials have urged residents to avoid riverbanks as the situation could worsen with more rainfall expected.

In Kathua district, the Ravi River has overflowed in multiple areas, flooding low-lying villages such as Bagthali, Massos Pur, Keerian Gandial, Barni, Dhanna, and Karyali.

The Ujh River, also in Kathua, is approaching the danger mark near Panjtirthi, and its tributaries, including the Taranah, Maggar Khad, and Sahar Khad, are rising simultaneously.

Samba district has been severely impacted, with the Basantar River already flowing above the danger mark. Flash flooding and road washouts have also occurred in other districts.

Infrastructure Damage and Closures

In Kishtwar, floodwaters washed away part of the Paddar road near Traith Nallah, and authorities have closed the Sinthan Top pass, a key route connecting the Valley to Kishtwar.

In Doda, a flash flood struck Neeru Nallah in the Bhaderwah region, heightening concerns in already vulnerable areas.

All affected districts have activated emergency protocols. Evacuation efforts are underway, with helplines set up to assist residents.

Local police, flood control, irrigation, and health departments remain on high alert, and authorities have suspended leave for all officials involved in flood management unless medically necessary.

The Meteorological Department has reported the following rainfall in the past 24 hours (till 8.30 AM Tuesday): Kathua – 155.6 mm, Bhaderwah – 99.8 mm, Samba – 99.5 mm, Udhampur – 92.4 mm, Jammu – 81.5 mm, and others, including Katra, Batote, Kishtwar, and Banihal registering significant rainfall.

MeT Advisory and Public Warning

The MeT Department has issued a warning of intense to very heavy rainfall in the Jammu division and heavy rain in Kashmir, urging the public to avoid riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.

The District Magistrate of Jammu has appealed to the public via a post on X, posting, “Citizens of Jammu are requested to stay away from Tawi River banks. Call following numbers in case of emergency 0191-2571912, 0191-2571616.”

As conditions worsen, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to carry out further evacuations if required.

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