SRINAGAR: Flash floods triggered by incessant overnight rain wreaked havoc across Rajouri town on Sunday, inundating several low-lying areas, sweeping away vehicles and forcing hundreds of residents to move to safer locations as rivers overflowed following heavy rainfall.
Officials said continuous rain since Saturday evening caused the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola rivers to swell dangerously, with water levels touching or crossing the danger mark at several locations. The sudden rise in water inundated residential areas, disrupted traffic and caused extensive damage to public and private property.
One of the worst-hit areas was the new bus stand after the Darhali River breached a flood protection wall near Bela Colony. Dozens of parked vehicles were either washed away or submerged under floodwaters.
The flooding also severely affected the slum settlement near Abdullah Bridge, where more than 50 families were evacuated after water entered their homes. Several localities around Tariq Bridge also came under water, prompting emergency rescue operations by police and civil administration.
Rescue teams, assisted by district officials, remained on the ground throughout the morning, shifting stranded families to safer places and responding to distress calls from flood-hit areas.
“Our immediate priority is to ensure there is no loss of life. Property has suffered significant damage, but a detailed assessment will be carried out once the water recedes,” a police official said.
Police personnel patrolled vulnerable areas, making public announcements and urging people living along riverbanks and in low-lying localities to evacuate in view of the continued risk of flooding.
The district administration issued an advisory asking residents to remain alert as heavy rainfall is expected to continue. Police control rooms have also been activated to coordinate rescue efforts and provide assistance to affected residents.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir till July 23, raising concerns over further flooding, landslides and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.
Rajouri MLA Iftkhar Ahmed, who was scheduled to attend his party’s protest in Jammu demanding restoration of statehood, cut short his programme and rushed back to the constituency to review the flood situation.
“The flash floods have caused extensive damage to public and private property. Standing with the affected people is my priority at this critical time,” Ahmed said, while urging the administration to immediately launch relief and rehabilitation measures for affected families.
Authorities have appealed to people to avoid unnecessary movement near rivers and streams and follow official advisories until the weather improves.
