Jammu and Kashmir is going through one of its harshest monsoon seasons in recent years. Heavy rains and sudden cloudbursts have already taken more than 67 lives. Fast-flowing water has triggered landslides, flash floods, and large-scale damage in many districts.
As a precaution, authorities have closed all of the schools in the Jammu division as well as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. As the crisis worsens, people are still worried since the meteorological office is forecasting more rain.
Highway & Schools Shut as Weather Worsens
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), the only all-weather road that connects the Valley with the rest of the country, has been closed. Continuous rainfall caused shooting stones and mudslides, blocking the road and making travel unsafe.
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The traffic police have asked people not to travel on the highway. In addition, the Jammu administration has announced that all government and private schools will stay shut. These steps show how serious the weather situation has become.
Cloudbursts Cause Death & Destruction
The worst damage has taken place in the Kishtwar and Kathua districts. Two massive cloudbursts here have killed more than 67 people. In Kathua alone, seven people died and six more were injured.
Landslides and mudslides destroyed homes and fields in minutes. People had little time to flee as walls of water and debris rushed down on Sunday. Rescue teams worked through the night to save lives and bring relief.
Army & Rescue Teams on the Ground
The Indian Army quickly launched large-scale rescue efforts and evacuated stranded families from Jhor Khad and Bagra villages. Army engineers cleared blocked paths while medical teams treated the injured. Along with the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and civil authorities joined in.
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Food, water, and temporary shelters were given to those who lost their homes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with local leaders and assured all possible help from the central government.
More Rain Predicted, Risk Still High
The weather department has warned that the next 48 hours could bring more heavy rain. Districts such as Reasi, Udhampur, Rajouri, Poonch, Samba, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban may see intense showers.
Officials fear new cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. People have been told to stay away from rivers, streams, and weak embankments. Tourists and drivers have also been told to change their travel plans and stay away from dangerous areas.
Living Between Nature’s Fury & Human Strength
These recent disasters show how vulnerable J&K is to extreme weather. The region is naturally prone to landslides & floods due to the mountains and rivers. But sudden cloudbursts make the problem even worse.
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At the same time, the quick help from the Army, rescue teams, and local people shows courage and strength. As the rains continue, the main focus should be on keeping communities safe and preparing for more dangers in the coming days.
