Rail traffic disrupted, minor dies in landslide as heavy rains batter Jammu
Heavy rains wreaked havoc across parts of the Jammu region, causing widespread disruption and tragedy. A goods train engine derailed in Kathua after intense downpours damaged railway tracks, while in a separate incident, a minor girl lost her life in a landslide in Poonch district.
The region experienced continuous heavy rainfall from Wednesday through early Thursday, resulting in damage to infrastructure. Several roads in Kathua district—connecting villages along the Pathankot-Jammu section of the National Highway—were washed away.
In Kathua’s Lakhanpur area, a freight train engine derailed around 7 am after the railway track was damaged due to the torrential rain. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported. The Railway Department promptly deployed heavy machinery to the site to begin restoration work, which continued into Thursday evening.
Due to the incident, only one of the two tracks remained operational, causing significant delays to rail traffic. Four Vande Bharat Express trains between Jammu and Delhi were affected.
Vande Bharat (22478) from Katra to New Delhi was delayed by nearly four hours. Vande Bharat (22477) from New Delhi to Katra was rescheduled from 3 pm to 7.20 pm. Two other trains—22440 (Katra to New Delhi) and 22439 (New Delhi to Katra)—also experienced delays.
In a tragic incident in Poonch district, 11-year-old Afiya Kousar, a resident of Mendhar, died instantly after being struck by a stone during a landslide. The region witnessed flash floods that caused chaos in several areas.
Responding swiftly, the Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police launched a rescue operation in the Loran area after flash floods in a seasonal nullah near Suman Mohalla endangered both locals and tourists.
“A swift and coordinated rescue operation was launched on Wednesday evening following alerts about the flash flood,” an official said. The flood rendered the road connecting Loran to Bela Bala impassable.
With the help of a JCB, the road was cleared to facilitate relief operations. The rescue teams evacuated 20 stranded tourists and local residents, ensuring their safety and comfort. Relief efforts continued late into the night until the situation was fully under control.
Meanwhile, the J&K Disaster Management Authority issued an alert for intense rainfall and gusty winds across several areas, including Kupwara, Handwara, Baramulla, Gulmarg, Uri, Bandipora hills, Budgam, Ganderbal, Srinagar, South Kashmir, Poonch, the Pir Panjal range, Chenab Valley, and Jammu hills.
Authorities have warned of the risk of landslides and have urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers and flood-prone areas during ongoing inclement weather.
J & K