Torrential Rains and Floods Disrupt Life in North India. Landslide on Vaishno Devi Route in Jammu & Kashmir Claims 34 Lives. Rivers Overflow, Multiple Bridges Collapse, Rail and Highways Closed. Army and NDRF Engaged in Relief and Rescue Operations.
Jammu-Kashmir: Heavy rains and floods have disrupted life in several states of North India. In Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, continuous rainfall has caused rivers to overflow and landslides have worsened the situation. The biggest tragedy occurred on the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, where a landslide resulted in the death of 34 people.
Serious Situation in Jammu & Kashmir, Rain Breaks Records
Jammu & Kashmir witnessed a record-breaking 380 millimeters of rainfall in the past 24 hours, the highest since 1910. Udhampur received 629 millimeters of rainfall, shattering the old record from 2019. The Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage has been completely disrupted due to landslides, and the route remained closed for several days. The Chenab and Tawi rivers are flowing above the danger mark, causing waterlogging in low-lying areas.
BSF Camp Submerged in Floodwaters, Rescue Operation Underway
Several areas, including Akhnoor and Pargwal, have been cut off due to floodwaters entering the regions. A BSF camp in Pargwal was submerged by floodwaters, which local residents initially tried to protect with temporary measures. Later, the army and NDRF rescued the personnel safely using boats and helicopters.
Omar Abdullah Visits, Bridge Collapses Again
The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, visited the affected areas. He also inspected the Fourth Bridge built on the Tawi River, a portion of which has collapsed. This is the same bridge that also collapsed during the 2014 floods. Omar Abdullah stated that we must learn from the past and formulate concrete plans for the future. The administration has so far evacuated more than 5,000 people to safer locations.
Water Level of Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas Rivers Rises in Punjab
Floodwaters from Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have also wreaked havoc in Punjab. The water level of the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers has reached dangerous levels. The release of water from the Pong, Bhakra, and Ranjit Sagar Dams has further worsened the situation. Flood-like conditions have emerged in Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, and Hoshiarpur.
Severe Devastation on the Kathua and Punjab Border
People are being evacuated to safer places due to waterlogging in the low-lying areas of Pathankot. A CRPF camp and many houses in Madhopur have been completely submerged in the floodwaters. Army helicopters have rescued dozens of personnel and civilians in a rescue operation that has been ongoing since morning.
400 Children Stranded in School, Rescued by Boats
400 children and more than 70 staff members were stranded after floodwaters entered the Navodaya Vidyalaya in Gurdaspur. Everyone was safely rescued via boats in a rescue operation that began at 5 AM. Several villages near the Kartarpur Corridor were flooded after the Dhussi dam broke, resulting in the destruction of thousands of acres of crops.
Chinook and MI-17 Helicopters Conducting Rescue Operations
Chinook and MI-17 helicopters are continuously flying to deliver relief supplies. Helicopters are now the only means of reaching flood-affected areas due to submerged roads. NDRF teams from Delhi are also continuously working.
Rail and Road Traffic Disrupted, People Troubled
Several sections of the Jammu-Pathankot Highway and the Jammu-Srinagar Highway have been washed away. Rail services have also been completely disrupted. 45 trains have been canceled, and many have been stopped midway. Passengers are struggling with a lack of food, water, and money.
Administration and Army Engaged in Relief Work
The administration has opened relief camps in the affected areas. Thousands of people have been evacuated to safer locations so far. Work to restore electricity, water, and mobile services is underway on a war footing. Army, NDRF, and SDRF teams are continuously working in the affected areas.
