Heavy rain in Jammu triggers landslips; schools shut, internal roads blocked

Incessant rainfall across the Jammu region has triggered landslides at multiple locations, leading to the closure of many internal roads in the mountainous areas.

Schools in the border districts of Rajouri and Poonch were closed due to the inclement weather, as heavy rainfall that began on Monday evening continued into Tuesday.

According to the Meteorological Department, significant rainfall was recorded between 8.30 am on Monday and 6.30 am on Tuesday. Reasi received the highest rainfall at 280.5 mm, followed by Kathua with 148 mm, and 96 mm each in Samba and Jammu districts. The rainfall caused flash floods, landslides and mudslides in various areas. Meanwhile, no casualties have been reported.

In Surankote of Poonch district, part of a high school was severely damaged when a flash flood struck during the night. The flood swept away a 200-foot-long shed adjacent to the school and destroyed the sports room along with all records and equipment. However, no injuries or fatalities were reported.

In response to the adverse weather and its potential impact on public safety, Poonch Police have set up a 24x7 helpline to assist residents. “Citizens are urged to use this helpline for reporting any weather-related incidents, road blockages or emergencies,” the police said.

In Jaglanoo village of Rajouri district, a cowshed collapsed due to heavy rainfall, resulting in the loss of property and livestock. The extent of the damage is yet to be determined. Landslides also blocked the road at Kandamorh in Reasi district. The Koteranka– Khawas road was closed at Kanja, while the Rajouri– Thanamandi– Surankote road was shut due to a landslide between Dera-ki-Gali and Bafliaz.

Similarly, the Ghambir Mughlan–Thanamandi road was blocked at multiple locations. The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway experienced traffic congestion at Jagti due to waterlogging.

The Meteorological Department has forecast rain and thunderstorms across many parts of the Jammu division till August 15.

A red warning has been issued for Udhampur, Reasi, Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts, predicting thunderstorms, lightning, surface wind gusts exceeding 60 kmph, and intense rainfall of over 15 mm per hour.