In Jammu and Kashmir, at least 10 people have been killed as relentless rainfall over the past 24 hours has triggered a flood emergency across the Jammu division. The pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been suspended. Six people have died and 18 others have been injured due to landslides on the route to the shrine atop the Trikuta Hills, caused by heavy rainfall. The Himkoti route has also been closed. Four people have also lost their lives in the Doda district. Electricity supply and Internet services in some areas of the Jammu region have reportedly been disrupted. All government offices, except emergency services, will be closed tomorrow. Meanwhile, leave for government officials involved in rescue operations and flood protection has been cancelled in the affected districts.
Floodwaters have submerged several low-lying areas, with most rivers flowing above the danger mark. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah termed the situation serious and has placed emergency funds at the disposal of Deputy Commissioners. A high-level meeting was held in Srinagar to review flood mitigation efforts, with instructions issued to maintain high alert and ensure swift response.
Water levels in major rivers like the Tawi, Chenab, Neru, and Kalnai have surged. The Meteorological Department has predicted continued rainfall, heightening concerns of further inundation. Marmat and Tanta are among the worst-hit areas, where three footbridges and around 15 houses were swept away. Significant damage to residential structures has been reported. All government and private schools across the Jammu division remain closed for a second consecutive day. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education has postponed Class 10 and 11 exams scheduled for tomorrow. In Jammu, traffic on key highways has been suspended. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and Jammu-Udhampur up-tube are shut due to landslides and waterlogging. Traffic has also been halted on the Katra-Shiv Khori road. Rescue operations are underway in multiple districts, while advisories have been issued warning of further landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods. SDRF and police teams deployed.
Authorities have issued helpline numbers and placed all departments on high alert. These are: Jammu- 01912571616 & 0191-2520542, Samba-01923241004, Kathua-01922238796, Doda- 95967762043, Kishtwar- 9484217492. These numbers are available on all official social media platforms. People are advised to contact these numbers for emergencies.