Jammu: Authorities have set up more than 90 relief camps across the Jammu region, housing over 4,000 people evacuated from vulnerable areas following incessant rains, flash floods, and landslides.
Heavy and continuous downpours have triggered landslides, flash floods, and land subsidence, forcing thousands to abandon their homes. “Over 4,000 affected people are currently in 93 camps, where food and shelter are being provided,” a senior officer told reporters here. . He added that the situation is stabilising as rainfall has eased and river levels are receding.
In Udhampur alone, over 2,000 people have been shifted to 38 relief camps. Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai said 30 camps with food and shelter facilities have been established. “Efforts are underway to restore the highway once weather conditions improve,” she said.
In Jammu city, rising waters of the Tawi river forced evacuations in Pir Kho, Gujjar Nagar, and Rajiv Colony. Families were shifted to MAM College with support from the administration and NGOs.
The Jammu Police, working with civil authorities and disaster response teams, has intensified rescue operations in low-lying areas, evacuating over 200 people so far. Extra manpower, vehicles, and boats have been deployed, while control rooms remain on high alert. Police officials urged people to avoid risky zones and cooperate with rescue teams.
In Udhampur’s Dhar Jankhar, massive landslides damaged nearly 18–19 houses, while in Jhankhar Maud, 15–20 homes suffered extensive damage. Residents reported cracks developing in buildings, forcing them to take shelter in schools and safer areas. The road from Zero Morh to Dhar Mahanpur has also been badly damaged, cutting off access to several villages.
In Birmeeni village of Jammu, around 30 houses collapsed due to continuous landslides, leading authorities to vacate the area. “We were shifted to a school in Sunjwan after our homes developed cracks and collapsed when the hillside caved in,” said villager Sajad. CRPF has been deployed in the area, with entry restricted due to safety concerns.
Similar incidents were reported from Rajouri and Samba, where 19 families were evacuated after land subsidence. In Reasi’s Mahore subdivision, more than 86 houses were damaged and about 100 families relocated. Sub-Divisional Magistrate Shafqat Majeed Bhat said relief teams are on the ground and no casualties have been reported so far.
Meanwhile, the Army’s White Knight Corps launched rescue operations in Dhar Khour and Channi villages of Akhnoor, evacuating around 80–90 civilians, including children. Two critically ill persons were also rescued. In Samba, a pregnant woman was airlifted by an Army helicopter and shifted to hospital.
Authorities have also restricted tourist entry to Bhimgarh Fort in Reasi after multiple landslides around the site. People have been urged to avoid hill slopes and unsafe structures until restoration work begins.
Rescue operations by the Army, Air Force, police, and disaster management teams continue across affected districts as weather alerts remain in force.
