Incessant rains lash parts of Jammu region; schools shut, roads damaged
In Rajouri district, three private vehicles were damaged after a boundary wall of an Army camp collapsed due to continuous rainfall—the second consecutive day of heavy downpours in the region. In response to the deteriorating weather conditions, schools in Rajouri, Poonch and Udhampur districts have been closed.
On Monday, landslides struck the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage track in Reasi and a school building in Poonch, resulting in the tragic deaths of two people, including a pilgrim and a minor student. Several areas including Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, Udhampur, Kathua and Samba are witnessing relentless rainfall.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has forecast intermittent spells of light to moderate rain across many areas of Jammu division on July 22–23, with heavy rainfall expected at isolated locations. On July 24, the weather is likely to remain generally cloudy with similar rainfall patterns, including the possibility of intense showers.
An advisory issued by the department warned of “flash floods at a few vulnerable places, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones," as well as a rise in water levels in rivers, streams, and nullahs, potentially leading to waterlogging in low-lying areas.
Meanwhile, an earthmover engaged in road-widening work along the Jammu–Poonch highway near Irwan Khanetar fell into a gorge after the ground beneath it gave way. Landslides also briefly blocked the Jammu–Poonch National Highway and several interior roads in both Rajouri and Poonch districts. A culvert in Chatral–Mendhar was washed away, snapping road connectivity to nearly half a dozen remote villages, officials reported.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar district administration issued an advisory urging residents—especially those living along both banks of the Jhelum River and its tributaries—not to venture near water bodies. “Tourists, local shikara operators, sand miners and boat users on Dal Lake, Jhelum River and other water bodies should verify conditions before attempting to cross,” the advisory stated.
In Ladakh, a high-risk rescue operation was conducted by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to evacuate Chief Executive Councillor (CEC) Tashi Gyalson after his vehicle skidded off and slipped into the Zanskar River while traveling on the Nimmu–Padum–Darcha (NPD) road.
An Army spokesperson said flash floods had triggered landslides in the Kilima–Chilling sector along the NPD road, cutting off connectivity. In a swift overnight operation on July 20, Project Yojak of BRO launched a 50-foot Bailey Bridge, successfully restoring the road link and rescuing stranded locals and tourists.
J & K