Jammu, Aug.26,2025:CM Omar Abdullah declared the situation “quite serious”, convening emergency meetings in Srinagar and directing high alert and efficient relief efforts
The Grim Reality
Jammu Flood Alert unfolds as relentless torrents of rain pound the Jammu and Kashmir region. Rivers overflow, landslides strike, roads vanish under torrents—and a dire humanitarian emergency is in motion.
Record-Breaking Rainfall in Jammu
- Jammu city witnessed a staggering 190.4 mm of rain in 24 hours, marking the second-highest August single-day deluge in nearly a century.
- This deluge followed a cloudburst in Doda’s Bhalesa region (Charu Nallah area), causing flash floods and claiming the lives of at least three people.
Rivers on the Rampage, Danger Levels Reached
- Rivers like Tawi, Ravi, Chenab, Basantar, and Ujh have surged above or near danger marks, inundating low-lying areas and triggering widespread alarms.
- The Tawi river in Udhampur breached the 20 ft flood line and neared evacuation thresholds in Jammu, signaling imminent danger.
- The Madhopur barrage has exceeded 1 lakh cusecs, amplifying flood risks downstream.
Bridges, Highways, and Yatras Suspended
- A major bridge near Logate Mor on NH-44 (Jammu-Pathankot Highway) collapsed due to swelling of the Sahar Khad river.
- Landslides and shooting stones have blocked key routes including the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, impacting evacuation and relief operations.
- The Vaishno Devi Yatra has been temporarily suspended, and authorities issued a red alert to safeguard pilgrims and residents amid extreme weather.
CM Omar Abdullah’s Emergency Orders
- CM Omar Abdullah declared the situation “quite serious”, convening emergency meetings in Srinagar and directing high alert and efficient relief efforts.
- He announced plans to fly personally to Jammu to oversee operations, allocated additional emergency funds to Deputy Commissioners, and prioritized vulnerable groups for aid.
- Efforts include restoring connectivity, dewatering urban areas, and activating control rooms for coordination among SDRF, police, army, and civil authorities.
Cross-Border Warnings: Tawi, Sutlej, Ravi & Chenab
- India issued a flood warning to Pakistan via diplomatic channels, bypassing the suspended Indus Waters Treaty, highlighting potential overflow in rivers like the Tawi (later Sutlej), Ravi, and Chenab.
- In response, Pakistan prepared evacuations across eastern Punjab, anticipating rising floodwaters from dams and swollen rivers.
Evacuations, Alerts & Emergency Aid
- Residents in low-lying and flood-prone zones are urged to avoid riverbanks, streams, and unstable terrain, with warnings issued across the division.
- Evacuations are underway, and emergency helplines and district control rooms are operational for swift response.
Safety Tips and Resources
- Stay informed via IMD updates, local news channels, and official emergency sources.
- Avoid floodwaters—do not attempt crossing or entering submerged roads.
- If in an evacuation zone, store essentials in a waterproof bag, including medication and documentation.
- Reach out via emergency helplines or local authorities if stranded or in distress.
- Seek verified updates on travel advisories and rescue routes.
Confronting Climate Stress in J&K
The Jammu Flood Alert isn’t just another natural disaster—it’s a wake-up call to escalating climate threats. Torrential rain, overflowing rivers, and collapsing infrastructure are stark reminders of planetary fragility. Effective governance, disaster preparedness, and community awareness remain our strongest defenses.
