Jammu, Aug 26: Continuous heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has triggered a critical flood situation across Jammu Division, with water levels in several major rivers and tributaries rising sharply.
The Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in the coming hours, raising fears of further inundation in low-lying areas.
According to available details, the overflow from the Madhopur Barrage has crossed the 1,00,000 cusec mark and continues to rise, causing flooding in multiple low-lying areas along the Ravi River. The affected villages include Bagthali, Massos Pur, Keerian Gandial, Barni, Dhanna, Dhanore, Karyali, and adjoining belts. Residents have been advised to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures.
Ujh river nears danger mark
In Kathua district, the Ujh River is nearing the danger mark at two monitoring points. At Panjtirthi, the current discharge has touched 78,750 cusecs against a danger level of 88,000 cusecs, while at Kathua, the discharge has reached 83,834 cusecs against a danger level of 95,099 cusecs. Officials have warned that if the levels continue to rise, evacuation measures will be triggered once flows cross 1.35 lakh cusecs at Panjtirthi and 1.44 lakh cusecs at Kathua.
Basanter river crosses danger mark
In Samba district, the Basanter River crossed the danger mark of 4.5 ft at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, with levels reported to be steadily increasing. Authorities have put local disaster management teams on standby in vulnerable areas.
Simultaneous rise in multiple rivers
Reports suggest that water levels in the Taranah River, Ujh River, Maggar Khad, Sahar Khad, Ravi River, and their tributaries in Kathua district are all rising simultaneously, creating a compounded risk of flash floods across large areas.
Roads and connectivity hit
Flash floods washed away a portion of the Padder road near Traith Nallah, snapping surface connectivity in the region. Meanwhile, Sinthan Top and Margan Top have been closed for vehicular movement following continuous rainfall and landslide threats.
Critical alert for Tawi river
At Udhampur, the Tawi River crossed the evacuation level of 24.975 ft around 9:15 a.m., surpassing both the danger and evacuation marks. In Jammu city, however, the Tawi was still flowing below the alert level, though authorities warned that it is expected to cross the flood alarm and danger thresholds in the coming hours.
Railway services affected
Due to the heavy downpour, railway operations have also been disrupted. Authorities suspended down-line services over bridge number 232 between PTKC–KNDI as a precautionary measure. While the up-line remains operational, several trains are being run either on a single track or diverted via the PTK–ASR route to ensure passenger safety.
Officials have urged people living in flood-prone and low-lying areas to stay indoors, avoid venturing close to riverbanks, and keep emergency supplies ready as rainfall is likely to continue through the day. Disaster response teams have been placed on alert across Jammu, Kathua, Samba, and adjoining districts.
