Flash floods wreak havoc in Jammu; NH blocked, 3 rescued
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jj correspondent
Jammu, Jul 23: Torrential rains for the third consecutive day triggered widespread disruption across the Jammu region on Wednesday, blocking the vital Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and stranding hundreds, including Amarnath pilgrims.
A major mudslide near Magerkote viaduct tunnel in Ramban district halted traffic on the only all-weather road connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country. Another landslide was reported near Seri, officials from the traffic department said. The authorities have deployed men and machinery at both locations to clear the debris. However, they advised commuters to avoid travel until weather conditions improve and the road is cleared.
Officials confirmed that two convoys of Amarnath pilgrims returning from the Valley were among those stuck. The highway is expected to reopen within a few hours if weather permits.
Flash floods also affected other routes. The Kishtwar-Sinthan road was closed after being washed out at Sinthan Nallah. Landslides blocked several link roads in Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Doda, and Ramban districts, disrupting movement in mountainous areas.
Meanwhile, rescue teams saved three people in separate flood-related incidents. In Samba district, two men attempting to cross the swollen Basantar River on a tractor were rescued by the NDRF after an hour-long operation. In Rajouri, a nine-year-old boy who was grazing cattle became trapped by rising water levels in a flooded river. The Army, along with SDRF, police, and local divers, conducted a three-hour operation using a chopper to safely evacuate the child. Locals later hailed the Army for the timely intervention.
Rains also damaged multiple kutcha houses and cowsheds, though detailed damage assessment is underway. Udhampur district recorded the highest rainfall at 51.8 mm, followed by Ramban (20.5 mm), Reasi (17.9 mm), and Jammu (8.5 mm), according to the Meteorological Department.
In response to an IMD flash flood alert valid till July 24, 24×7 control rooms have been established in all districts, and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have been instructed to take necessary precautions.
