Jammu, India – The city of Jammu has been hit by a catastrophic flood situation after a record-breaking 380mm of rainfall in a single day, the highest since the MeT center began recording data in 1974. This unprecedented downpour, nearly a month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours (Jammu’s average for August is 403.1mm), has triggered flash floods, landslides, and widespread devastation across the Jammu and Kashmir region.
Tragedy at Vaishno Devi and Doda
The incessant rain has led to a series of tragedies, with the death toll rising in multiple incidents. A massive landslide on Tuesday near the Vaishno Devi shrine claimed at least 32 lives, with more than 20 people injured. Authorities had already suspended the pilgrimage on one of the routes due to the dangerous weather conditions. Separately, four deaths were reported from flash floods in the Doda district.
Widespread Flooding and Rescue Operations
The Tawi River and other rivers across the Jammu division have swelled, causing a flood-like situation and damaging critical infrastructure, including bridges and roads. In the Kashmir division, the Jhelum River has crossed the flood declaration mark at Sangam, bringing back grim memories of the devastating 2014 floods.
In response to the crisis, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha confirmed that more than 5,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas. The Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations, with a focus on restoring power, communication, and water supply as floodwaters begin to recede.
Schools in five districts of Kashmir and all Kashmir University examinations have been postponed. While the MeT department has predicted a brief improvement in the weather, the region remains on high alert.