A man stranded in Jammu River Tawi amid rising water levels was dramatically rescued on Wednesday by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), as heavy overnight rainfall triggered flood-like conditions and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir.
The man was trapped near the riverbanks as water surged following intense rainfall. SDRF personnel acted quickly, descending the riverbank stairs and navigating strong currents to carry out the rescue which was captured on video and shared widely by news agencies.
Landslides Cut Off Key Highway
In another incident, a landslide blocked traffic on the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, particularly around Chanderkote, Mehar, and the T2 Tunnel. Authorities have halted vehicular movement until clearance operations can ensure safe passage. The highway is a critical lifeline to the Kashmir Valley, and frequent weather-related disruptions pose ongoing logistical challenges.
IMD Issues Multi-Region Rainfall Alert
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued fresh warnings of heavy rainfall across multiple regions in India, with particular focus on Uttarakhand.
IMD Scientist Bikram Singh said the monsoon has been active in the region since June 20, though the last 24 hours saw comparatively lower rainfall. That is set to change, however, as Singh warned of intensified downpours in Dehradun, Nainital, and Bageshwar districts.
The IMD broader forecast predicts a surge in monsoon activity from June 25 onward, particularly across Northwest India. The alert extends to Central, East, and Northeast India, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected over the next week.
Public Urged to Remain Vigilant
Disaster response agencies are on high alert, with emergency protocols activated in multiple districts. The public has been urged to avoid flooded zones, stay indoors during intense rainfall, and follow updates from local authorities.
The ongoing monsoon season has already begun to test infrastructure resilience, especially in hill states like Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand, where steep terrain and river systems create high vulnerability to landslides, flash floods, and blockages.