Jammu, Aug 27, KNT: A devastating flood has engulfed large parts of the Jammu region, leaving the city and several districts submerged in water, damaging property, vehicles and crippling movement. The Tawi River and other water bodies swelled dangerously on Wednesday, flooding Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, Samba and Reasi, prompting authorities to declare a high alert.
In Jammu city, the floods wreaked havoc in Gandhi Nagar, Nanak Nagar, Dogra Chowk, Dungian Bathindi, Chatha Agricultural University and areas surrounding Jammu Railway Station. Roads turned into rivers, trapping vehicles and cutting off entire neighbourhoods. Cars and two-wheelers were seen floating in floodwaters near Dogra Chowk and Gandhi Nagar, while stranded commuters sought refuge on rooftops and high pavements.
At the Tawi Bridge, gushing waters crossed danger levels, flooding connecting roads and isolating parts of the city. Near the railway station, floodwaters inundated approach roads and parking areas, damaging vehicles and hampering passenger movement. In Nanak Nagar and Dungian Bathindi, floodwaters entered residential colonies, forcing families to evacuate with assistance from police and volunteers. At Chatha Agricultural University, farmlands and livestock sheds were submerged, leaving extensive losses for researchers and farmers alike.
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Kathua district bore the brunt of overflowing rivers including Ravi, Ujh and Tarnah, which submerged houses and washed away livestock. In Samba, the Basanter and Devak rivers breached embankments, flooding villages and damaging agricultural land. Udhampur reported flash floods and landslides that blocked highways and damaged bridges, while in Reasi, swollen streams swept through rural areas, cutting off several villages.
Authorities said dozens of vehicles were damaged in Jammu city alone, with several swept away by currents. Shops, homes and basements were inundated, and power outages were reported in low-lying localities. “This is one of the worst flood situations Jammu has witnessed in recent years. Our teams are working round the clock for rescue and relief,” a senior official said.
Rescue teams from SDRF, police and district administration have been deployed across flood-hit zones. Emergency shelters have been opened in Jammu city, and boats have been stationed near the Tawi for evacuations if needed.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department warned that the situation may worsen if rains persist in the catchment areas. Locals have been urged to avoid venturing out, stay away from water bodies and heed official advisories.
The flood has left the Jammu region in shock, with damages running into crores and thousands of residents waiting anxiously for waters to recede. [KNT]
