Jammu: Over 5,000 people have been evacuated from flooded riverbanks and submerged low-lying areas in Jammu and Samba districts, as rescue teams and the administration intensify efforts to assist those stranded by the deluge.
Triggered by relentless rain for nearly 38 hours, flash floods have inundated large parts of the Jammu division, with schools and colleges ordered shut. Essential services—water supply, electricity, and internet—remain disrupted, though restoration efforts are underway.
Jammu recorded 380 mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, the highest in a single day since records began in 1910.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on X that more than 5,000 people were shifted to safety with coordinated efforts of the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and the Divisional Commissioner’s office. He assured adequate relief material and all necessary support for those affected.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Rakesh Minhas, reported that over 3,500 people were rescued in Jammu district alone on Tuesday. He added that restoration of roads, essential supplies, and services was being carried out on a “priority and war footing.”
Around 20–30 localities in Jammu and Samba, including Peerkho, Gujjar Nagar, R S Pura, Nikki Tawi, Beli Charan, Gurkhanagar, Qasim Nagar, Rajiv Nagar, Akhnoor, Pargwal, and areas along the swollen Tawi river, have been evacuated.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he is in constant touch with Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, who is holding inter-departmental coordination meetings. Singh added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the flood situation.
While rainfall has reduced in intensity, the Chenab river remains close to the danger mark, though water levels in the Tawi have started to recede. The Divisional Commissioner’s office noted that restoring electricity, water, and mobile services remains the immediate priority, with joint efforts by SDRF, NDRF, paramilitary forces, the Army, and the Air Force.
Floods have also damaged infrastructure, including the historic Madhopur bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot highway, halting traffic since early Wednesday morning.
Authorities have appealed to people to avoid unnecessary movement and cooperate with relief efforts. District-wise helpline numbers have been issued for public assistance.
