A deluge of relentless rainfall has wreaked havoc across various parts of the Jammu region, claiming lives, damaging homes, and disrupting vital infrastructure, as landslides and flash floods sweep through the area.
In tragic incidents, four individuals, including three minors, have lost their lives in rain-related mishaps, highlighting the severity of the ongoing weather crisis. The downpour, which began Sunday evening, has particularly impacted hilly districts like Reasi, Ramban, Doda, and Kishtwar.
Reports indicate a series of calamities, with a 65-year-old man succumbing after slipping into a flooded nallah in Deval, and a 17-year-old girl swept away by Dunga nallah while returning from a marriage party. Meanwhile, landslides have razed a four-storey house in Gulabgarh’s Shadole village, triggering concerns over the safety of residents in affected areas.
In Kishtwar district, a total of 12 houses, a cattle shed, and a school building have borne the brunt of the inclement weather, leading to disruptions in water supply and significant damage to infrastructure. Similarly, in Ramban district, a 13-year-old boy lost his life due to a boulder strike, while multiple houses incurred damage, necessitating the relocation of affected families.
Elsewhere, flash floods in Samba and Ramban have claimed the lives of dozens of livestock, adding to the mounting losses suffered by local communities. The closure of vital transportation arteries, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the Mughal Road, has compounded the region’s woes, stranding hundreds of vehicles and hampering relief efforts.
Authorities have issued advisories urging residents to steer clear of riverbanks and water bodies due to the prevailing weather conditions, with an orange alert issued for districts including Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar. The Indian Meteorological Department predicts continued rainfall, heightening concerns of further disruptions and damage.
In response to the crisis, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has initiated relief measures and assured support to affected areas, emphasizing the need for swift action to mitigate the impact of the calamity.
As the region grapples with the aftermath of the downpour, drastic drops in temperature have been recorded, further compounding the challenges faced by residents.
With the situation evolving, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing the safety and well-being of the affected populace.