As torrential rains pounded the Jammu area, producing a flood-like condition in several places, authorities ordered the suspension of schools in the Doda and Kishtwar districts and halted traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, officials said on Wednesday.
They said that numerous rivers and rivulets, particularly in the districts of Kathua and Samba, had approached or even surpassed the flood warning level.
More rain is expected in the area, according to the meteorological office. The Jammu-Srinagar national highway in Ramban district was closed as a result of mudslides and landslides that were caused by overnight heavy rains that pounded a large portion of Jammu division.
A traffic department official said, “The highway is still blocked, and people are advised not to travel until the restoration work is finished.”
According to the authorities, traffic on the Jammu-Pathankot route was also detoured in the Kathua district since two bridge supports there were damaged by Tarnah nallah flash floods.
They said that, as a precaution, all public and private schools in the districts of Doda and Kishtwar were shut down for the day.
The choice was made for the pupils’ safety because of the rising water levels in the Chenab River and its tributaries due to the ongoing rains, they noted.
An all-time high rainfall of 315.4 mm was recorded at Katra, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi temple, according to a meteorological department spokeswoman.
The most precipitation has fallen here since 1980, he said.
According to the authorities, the helicopter and battery car service at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, located atop Trikuta hills in Reasi district, was also halted because of the bad weather.
While the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is proceeding without incident, the new electric vehicle route to the temple was shut down due to fears of stone shooting and landslides, according to the administration.
They claimed that the weather-related suspension of the helicopter service to the temple
With further rain predicted until lunchtime, rivers and rivulets in numerous locations, particularly in the Kathua and Samba districts, have almost or have already surpassed the flood warning threshold.
The water level in Tawi, Chenab, and its tributaries in Jammu is getting close to the flood alert level, an official said. “The flood situation is grim in Kathua and Samba as all the rivers, including Ujh in Kathua and Basantar, have crossed the flood alert mark,” the source said.
Over the next seven days, broad to somewhat widespread rainfall is expected in different locations across Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
The Union Territory could get widespread to moderately widespread rainfall in the next week, according to Mohinder Singh, Director of IMD Centre Jammu.
In several areas of Jammu and Kashmir, there has been a lot of rain during the last 24 hours. The Katra belt in the Reasi area had the most rainfall, he said.
According to Singh, Katra saw 315.4 mm of rainfall, which is considered to be exceptionally heavy.
According to him, this is the region’s biggest rainfall total in 43 years.
The IMD representative reminded the pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra to follow the instructions issued at their various base camps.
Before starting the yatra, he advised them to heed the administration’s weather predictions and cautions.
In low-lying parts of Jammu and Kashmir, flash floods have also been forecast by the IMD.
According to a police warning, the Chadwal bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway has been blocked to traffic because of persistently heavy rain.
“Dear Kathua citizens and travellers, We regret to notify you that the Chadwal bridge has been damaged as a result of the recent and ongoing intense rainfall in the region. As a result, all cars and people attempting to cross it might be in danger, according to the alert.
According to the report, Taranah nallah floods damaged the bridge’s supports, which led to a little sinking of the bridge.
“Thank you for using the temporary and detour routes. According to the advice, these roads are built to promote easy traffic flow and lessen pain.
The public was also urged to report any suspicious activity to the police.
According to the alert, “if you see any suspicious activities on the roads or encounter potential threats, please notify the nearest police station right away.” (PTI)
