Fresh rain triggers flood warning in Jammu region

Continuous rainfall since early Tuesday has prompted the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar to issue a weather advisory, warning of cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods across parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Residents have been strongly advised to stay away from water bodies, including rivers, streams, and nullahs.

The advisory from the MeT department stated: “There is a possibility of heavy to very heavy rain at several places in the Jammu division from the night of September 2 through late afternoon of September 3. Cloudbursts, flashfloods, landslides and disruption due to loose structures cannot be ruled out. Residents are advised to stay away from rivers, nullahs, and other vulnerable areas.”

In response to the advisory, the Directorate of School Education Jammu has extended the closure of all government and private schools across the Jammu region until Wednesday, September 3, citing the prevailing weather conditions and safety concerns.

The Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Disaster Management Authority (JKUTDMA) also issued an alert, forecasting continued rainfall across the districts of Jammu, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Samba, and Udhampur.

Amid ongoing relief and restoration efforts, J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday with Administrative Secretaries and Divisional Commissioners to review the implementation of directives issued during the recent visit of a Union Minister.

Emphasising urgency, Dulloo called for seamless inter-departmental coordination to bring immediate relief to affected populations and expedite the restoration of essential services, including electricity and drinking water.

Special attention was given to restoring road connectivity, which Dulloo described as the backbone of all other relief, rehabilitation and restoration operations. He directed authorities to undertake repair works on a war-footing to reconnect isolated regions as quickly as possible.

Highlighting concerns about public health, he also instructed that all water sources be tested for contamination before being supplied for public use to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases.

In addition, he ordered a safety audit of public infrastructure in flood-affected areas—especially schools, hospitals, bridges, and government buildings—to ensure structural integrity and the safety of residents and personnel.