Floodwaters submerge low-lying areas in Jammu & Kashmir as IMD issues an orange alert; authorities deploy teams to restore connectivity and safety (X | Kashmir Age)
As heavy rains lashed Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir. The weather is expected to remain overcast with thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rain. Fears of flash floods and landslides are looming over vulnerable areas.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed all government services to remain on high alert as rivers and nallahs crossed danger levels. On X, Abdullah's office confirmed reports of waterlogging in residential localities and disruption of essential services.
“Control rooms are active, and priority is being given to drainage and power restoration. People are advised to be cautious till August 27, regarding the possibility of cloudbursts and flash floods,” said Abdullah.
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The sudden downpour generated a flood-like situation in several low-lying districts. Major damage was reported to a key bridge on the Jammu–Pathankot National Highway after a portion near Logate Morh in Kathua was swept away by the swollen Sahar Khad nallah. Traffic was diverted.
The Kishtwar–Padder road was blocked by a major landslide in Kishtwar and the Gurez–Bandipora route was closed due to multiple landslides. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has deployed teams to remove the debris and restore movement.
Orange alert from the Srinagar Met office has been extended to several districts, including Rajouri, Poonch, Shopian, Anantnag, Kupwara, Baramulla, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Ramban, Doda and Jammu. Forecast warns of rain with intensity going up to 15 mm per hour, along with wind speeds of about 40 km/h.
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Neighboring Ladakh has been placed under a yellow alert with scattered rainfall predicted along with snow in higher altitudes and thunderstorms over Kargil, Nubra Valley, Leh, Zanskar and Nyoma.
Precautionary measures have been issued by Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Ramban, and Kishtwar advising residents to avoid riversides, flood-prone belts and landslide-prone hills. Citizens are advised to store their essential supplies, heed official weather bulletins and earmark twin safe zones in consultation with local bodies.
The administration, while stating that public vigilance and preparedness of the community will be key to minimising risks, is preparing for more rainfall in the next few days.
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