SRINAGAR– Heavy downpours on Tuesday triggered major disruptions across Jammu and Kashmir, cutting off mobile and internet services in the Valley while swelling rivers in the Jammu region surged above danger levels, inundating several areas.
The sudden suspension of mobile networks and data services by multiple providers crippled daily life in Kashmir, as continuous rains brought the Jammu division to a standstill.
A bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot highway collapsed, forcing its closure, while landslides and shooting stones blocked the Jammu-Srinagar highway. The Srinagar-Leh highway was also shut after fresh snowfall at Zojila Pass, with Sinthan Pass linking Kishtwar and Razdan Pass leading to Gurez similarly closed.
In Doda district, four people lost their lives due to the inclement weather — two in a house collapse and two swept away by flash floods.
The Tawi River surged far above evacuation levels in Jammu city and Udhampur, prompting authorities to close the Tawi Bridge. Other rivers including the Basantar in Samba, the Ujh in Kathua, the Chenab in Doda, Ramban, and Akhnoor, along with rivers in Reasi, Kishtwar, and Doda districts, also breached danger marks.
Low-lying neighborhoods such as Janipur, Roop Nagar, Bhagwati Nagar, Gujar Nagar, and Marh in Jammu city, along with numerous villages in R.S. Pura and Akhnoor, were submerged.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah directed all line departments to remain on high alert and prepare for evacuations to safer ground.
The Meteorological Department said the rains, while still heavy in the Jammu division, had eased slightly since the afternoon. “The next 24 hours would be crucial,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Met Department, adding that weather is likely to improve from Wednesday afternoon. (Source: IANS)
