Jammu: Heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday triggered flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and incidents of land subsidence at several places, disrupting traffic and raising concerns among residents in vulnerable areas.
In Jammu city, the weather remained particularly challenging, with continuous rain since early morning.
The city recorded 88.7 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am, while the Jammu AWS recorded a maximum rainfall of 94.5 mm. Samba received 85 mm and Kathua 76.6 mm during the same period.
Fresh concerns over land subsidence have emerged in the Kheri area of Bantalab, barely 12 kilometres from Jammu city, where around a dozen houses have reportedly suffered damage.
Cracks have appeared in several houses, while portions of some structures have collapsed.
In some locations, the ground surrounding residential houses has reportedly sunk by three to four feet, leaving residents worried about the safety of their homes.
Several affected families have once again been shifted to tents provided by the administration.
The incident has revived memories of a similar land-subsidence episode reported in the area last year, when around five to six houses were damaged.
Residents have now reported similar ground movement from the upper Bantalab belt, including the Kakar and Kheri panchayat areas.
Traffic movement was also affected after landslides were reported along the Panjtrithi-Sidhra road.
Heavy rain in Jammu city led to water accumulation and difficult driving conditions at several locations.
Heavy rain also led to the partial collapse of an old house at Jhullaka Mohalla, Ward No. 2, in Jammu’s Old City.
According to local information, the house had remained locked for nearly 15 years. The structure reportedly gave way during the spell of heavy rainfall. No casualties were reported in the incident.
The continuous rainfall has also caused the water level in the Tawi River to rise, prompting increased attention to water levels and conditions along the riverbanks.
Residents living in low-lying areas and near water channels have been advised to remain cautious as further spells of rain could lead to a rapid rise in water levels.
Meanwhile, several parts of Kashmir also witnessed flash-flood-like conditions following intense spells of rainfall.
According to officials, a flash flood was reported from Wangath in Ganderbal, while minor flash floods were also reported from Haknar and Gund areas after an intense spell of rain between 1 pm and 3 pm. No loss of life or property damage was reported from these locations in the initial reports.
A flash flood was also reported from Shadab Karewa in Shopian, where extremely heavy rain accompanied by gusty winds lashed parts of the district.
The Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, said rainfall was being reported from several parts of north, central and south Kashmir, besides Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, Banihal-Ramban, Kishtwar and adjoining areas.
The weather department warned that intense showers could trigger localised flash floods, mudslides and landslides, particularly in hilly and vulnerable areas. It also cautioned commuters about the possibility of shooting stones and landslides at vulnerable locations.
Heavy rain, gusty winds and waterlogging also disrupted traffic on the Yanner-Batkote-Pahalgam road, causing difficulties for commuters and tourists.
The accumulation of water on the road slowed traffic movement, while authorities were urged to clear the affected stretches and restore normal movement.
In Ramban, the gates of Baglihar Dam were opened for silt flushing, a process carried out to remove accumulated sediment from the reservoir system.
The development comes amid the ongoing spell of rainfall and increased water flow in the region.
The rainfall data reflected the intensity of the spell across the Jammu region.
During the 24-hour period ending at 8:30 am, Jammu recorded 88.7 mm, Samba 85 mm, Kathua 76.6 mm, Katra 48.2 mm, Udhampur 32.2 mm, Batote 28.8 mm, Banihal 20.7 mm, Ramban 6.5 mm, Doda 9 mm, Reasi 39 mm, and Poonch 1.5 mm.
The data also showed 33 mm of rainfall at Jammu Airport and 1.8 mm at
The Meteorological Centre has forecast generally hot and humid conditions across J&K from August 20 to 22, with one or two spells of light to moderate rain or thundershowers at scattered to many places.
The department has also warned that brief but intense heavy showers may occur in some districts, particularly during the early morning and afternoon hours.
From August 23 to 27, generally hot and humid weather is expected, with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at scattered places during the early morning and afternoon.
The weather department has advised people, particularly those living in vulnerable and hilly areas, to remain alert during intense rainfall spells.
With the latest rainfall already triggering landslides, flash floods, waterlogging and renewed land subsidence, residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary movement through landslide- and flood-prone stretches during intense showers.
