WATCH- Heavy rain lashes across Jammu region; Katra records highest since 1980; bridge damaged, 9 rescued from flash floods, alert sounded

Jammu: Heavy rains lashed on Wednesday across the Jammu region with highest recorded in the Katra town of Reasi district since 1980 while rivers are flowing over the danger mark following which alert has been sounded by the Jammu and Kashmir Meteorological Department with forecast of very heavy rain this week.

“It is raining at most places of Jammu region and Anantnag, Kulgam area,” a MeT official said.

He added that Katra received all time extremely heavy rain of 315.4mm in 24 hours and it is heaviest since 1980.

Earlier it was 292.4mm on July 31, 2019, he stated.

He further said that rain likely to continue till next 3 to 4 hours and decrease thereafter across the Union Territory, adding, “intermittent light to moderate rain and thundershower is predicted at many places of Jammu and at scattered places of Kashmir. Heavy to very heavy rain is possible at some places of Jammu region during this week.”

However, due to heavy rains, the new track to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine has been closed in view of the inclement weather conditions while chopper service to the shrine has also been suspended in Reasi district.

“Yatra going on smoothly from the old track,” said SSP Reasi Amit Gupta.

The weatherman said that the risk of flash flood, mudslide, landslides has also increased due to heavy rain and people are advised to remain cautious and stay away from streams, rivers and other vulnerable spots.

At least nine civilians trapped in flash floods in Kathua district have also been rescued by the joint team of SDRF and local police.

“Five males, three females and one minor trapped in River Ujh have been rescued at Bhai Chak near Shabbe Chak after the water level slightly decreased,” said an official adding that four more people are trapped and efforts are on to rescue them.

The restoration work on Jammu-Srinagar national highway is in full swing that was closed due to heavy rains.

“Road clearance works at Cafeteria Morh-Mehar on NH-44 while the T-2 clearance is completed. NH-44 is blocked as of now,” said an official.

He said that efforts to clear the debris and restore traffic flow were immediately initiated.

Meanwhile Tarnah Bridge on Jammu-Pathankot national highway near Dayalachak suffered damages due to overflowing of the Ujh River.

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Damage to Chadwal bridge in #Kathua due to flash #floods. Ujh river and other nallahs are flowing above danger mark due to heavy rains. @districtadmkat1 is keeping a close watch on the situation. @Minhas1Rakesh @DiprKathua @KathuaPolice pic.twitter.com/IFsTeQdV0b

— DD NEWS JAMMU | डीडी न्यूज़ जम्मू (@ddnews_jammu) July 19, 2023 >

“The traffic on the highway was briefly suspended and was later diverted on Hiranagar road to prevent long jams,” said an official.

He said that the pillar on which the gauge is marked got sunk due to continuous scouring and due to heavy floods in the river.

In Jammu, the water level in River Tawi has crossed alert level of 14 feet and the people, especially those staying along the river banks, are advised to stay alert.

The Chief Education Officer, Ramban district has ordered closure of all government and private schools functioning on Wednesday due to inclement weather conditions.

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#WATCH | Jammu and Kashmir: In view of heavy rainfall, all Govt/Private schools in Doda district will remain closed for students today; visuals from Doda. pic.twitter.com/AGxNj9VMCJ

— ANI (@ANI) July 19, 2023 >

Besides, all HOIs shall ensure that students who have attended school today must reach their homes safely, he tweeted.

Moreover, heavy rains created havoc in Jammu city and triggered water-logging of roads that caused trouble to commuters.

Rain water gushed inside the houses in many low lying areas of Jammu city including Bhagwati Nagar, Talab Tillo, Jewel Chowk, Rajinder Nagar, Qasim Nagar, Vinayak Bazar, Dogra Chowk, Green Belt and many other locations.

The rain however, has also brought respite prevailing from humid conditions. (UNI)