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The heavy rainfall that lashed Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday brought life to a standstill, triggering floods, disrupting transportation networks, and forcing the cancellation of crucial examinations. The relentless downpour caused significant disruptions across the region, impacting not only daily routines but also critical infrastructure and scheduled events. The severity of the weather prompted authorities to take immediate action, including the cancellation of class 10 and 11 exams that were slated to take place on Monday, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students amidst the hazardous conditions. The torrential rain also led to the cancellation of a planned visit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to Chishoti village in the Kishtwar district's Paddar area, a location still reeling from the aftermath of a devastating cloudburst on August 14, which tragically claimed the lives of 65 people, predominantly Machail Mata pilgrims. The Defence Minister's presence was intended to offer support and assess the situation firsthand, but the adverse weather conditions rendered the journey unsafe, highlighting the pervasive impact of the heavy rainfall on all aspects of life in the region. The cumulative effect of these disruptions underscores the vulnerability of Jammu and Kashmir to extreme weather events and the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of future calamities. The heavy rains exacerbated existing challenges and underscored the importance of proactive planning and investment in resilient infrastructure to protect communities and ensure the continuity of essential services in the face of unpredictable weather patterns. The situation calls for a comprehensive approach that integrates early warning systems, effective evacuation strategies, and sustainable development practices to safeguard the region's population and infrastructure from the adverse effects of climate change.
Following his visit to the Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu, where he interacted with individuals who had been injured in the recent cloudburst, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh conveyed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was deeply concerned about the prevailing situation. This expression of concern from the highest levels of government underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment to provide necessary assistance to those affected by the heavy rainfall and related incidents. The Defence Minister, accompanied by Union Minister and Udhampur MP Jitendra Singh, as well as J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, then proceeded to Raj Bhavan, where they engaged in videoconferencing with affected individuals. This technological approach allowed them to communicate directly with those impacted by the severe weather conditions, gather firsthand accounts of the challenges they were facing, and provide assurances of support and assistance. The use of videoconferencing underscores the commitment to staying connected with communities during times of crisis, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed in a timely and effective manner. The collaborative effort involving the Defence Minister, Union Minister, and Lieutenant Governor highlights the importance of coordinated action across different levels of government to respond effectively to the needs of the affected population. This coordinated approach is crucial for mobilizing resources, implementing relief measures, and ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. The commitment to providing support and assistance to the affected individuals demonstrates a dedication to alleviating suffering and facilitating recovery in the aftermath of the heavy rainfall and associated incidents.
The relentless downpour had a significant impact on the region's transportation infrastructure, with traffic on National Highway-44 between Kathua and Samba severely disrupted due to extensive damage to a bridge caused by a flash flood in Sehar Khad. This critical transportation artery was rendered impassable for heavy vehicles, including trucks and passenger buses, forcing them to halt their journeys at Kathua town from the Punjab side and Samba from the Jammu side. While a limited number of light vehicles were able to navigate an alternative route via a smaller bridge in a border area, the disruption to heavy vehicle traffic had a cascading effect on the movement of goods, supplies, and passengers, impacting the region's economy and daily life. Despite the challenges posed by the heavy rain and landslides, the Jammu-Srinagar national highway remained open for vehicular traffic, providing a vital link between the two regions. However, other key routes, such as the Mughal Road connecting Poonch district with Shopian in Kashmir and the Sintha road connecting Doda and Kishtwar districts with South Kashmir, were closed due to hazardous road conditions and landslides. These closures further compounded the transportation challenges, isolating communities and hindering the movement of essential goods and services. The disruptions to transportation networks underscore the vulnerability of the region's infrastructure to extreme weather events and the need for investment in resilient infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change. Improving road maintenance, enhancing drainage systems, and implementing early warning systems for landslides are crucial steps to mitigate the impact of future disruptions and ensure the connectivity of communities across the region.
In the past 24 hours, Jammu City experienced an extraordinary amount of rainfall, recording 190.4 mm, which represents the second-highest rainfall for the period in a century. This near-record rainfall underscores the intensity of the recent weather event and its potential for causing widespread flooding and damage. The highest rainfall ever recorded for the same period occurred on August 5, 1926, when Jammu City received 228.6 mm. The comparison highlights the significance of the recent rainfall and its potential to exceed historical levels. Other areas in the region also experienced significant rainfall, with Udhampur recording 144.2 mm and Katra town, the base camp for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine, receiving 115 mm. These high rainfall levels across the region contributed to the overflowing of streams and nullahs, leading to widespread flooding and inundation. Authorities issued advisories urging people to stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions and awareness of potential hazards. The heavy rainfall also led to the inundation of roads in low-lying areas of Jammu, with floodwaters entering houses and commercial establishments in various neighborhoods, including Janipur, Roop Nagar, Talab Tilloo, Jewel Chowk, New Plot, and Sanjay Nagar. The boundary walls of several houses were damaged, and nearly a dozen vehicles were swept away in the flash floods, highlighting the destructive power of the torrential rain. The widespread flooding and damage underscore the need for improved drainage systems, better urban planning, and effective disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events.
The heavy downpour caused significant flooding at the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu city, where the ground floor of the hostel complex became submerged in floodwaters. Recognizing the imminent danger, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and police launched a joint operation to evacuate the approximately 50 students who were trapped inside the hostel. The rescue operation involved the use of boats to navigate the more than seven-foot-deep water that had inundated the hostel complex from a nearby canal. The challenging rescue operation lasted for more than five hours, but the dedicated efforts of the SDRF and police resulted in the safe evacuation of all the trapped students. The Director of IIIM, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, an autonomous body under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), assured the students that arrangements had been made for their safe stay, providing them with temporary accommodation and support. The successful evacuation of the students underscores the importance of effective disaster response coordination and the dedication of emergency responders in protecting lives during times of crisis. The incident also highlights the vulnerability of educational institutions to flooding and the need for improved flood control measures in areas prone to inundation. The swift and coordinated response of the SDRF and police serves as a testament to their preparedness and commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the community.
The Meteorological Department issued an orange alert for Jammu province, forecasting light to moderate rainfall with heavy showers in the districts of Anantnag, Kulgam, Doda, Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Kishtwar, Reasi, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, and Udhampur until August 26. In response to this weather forecast, the J&K State Board of School Education made the decision to cancel class 10 and 11 exams that were scheduled to be held in the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh on Monday. This proactive measure was taken to prioritize the safety and well-being of students, recognizing the potential dangers associated with traveling to and from examination centers during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding. In addition to the cancellation of exams, the School Education Department also ordered the closure of all government and private schools in Jammu province on Monday. This decision was made to prevent students from being exposed to hazardous conditions and to allow authorities to focus on addressing the challenges posed by the heavy rainfall. The orange alert and the subsequent actions taken by the education authorities demonstrate the importance of early warning systems and proactive decision-making in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events. By prioritizing safety and taking decisive action, the authorities aimed to minimize the disruption to education and protect the well-being of students and staff.
The situation in Jammu and Kashmir underscored the urgent need for comprehensive disaster preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of future extreme weather events. The relentless downpour caused significant disruptions to daily life, critical infrastructure, and scheduled events, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to climate change and the importance of proactive planning. The heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding, transportation disruptions, and the cancellation of examinations, underscoring the cascading effects of extreme weather events on various sectors of society. The successful evacuation of students from the flooded hostel complex demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated disaster response efforts, but also highlighted the need for improved flood control measures in vulnerable areas. The disruption of key transportation routes emphasized the importance of investing in resilient infrastructure that can withstand the impacts of climate change and ensure the connectivity of communities across the region. The proactive decision to cancel exams and close schools demonstrated the importance of early warning systems and decisive action in prioritizing safety and minimizing disruption. To effectively address the challenges posed by extreme weather events, a comprehensive approach is needed that integrates early warning systems, effective evacuation strategies, sustainable development practices, and investment in resilient infrastructure. By taking proactive steps to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events, the region can minimize the impact on communities, protect lives and property, and ensure the continuity of essential services.
Source: Heavy rain leads to cancelled exams, closed schools and disrupted traffic across Jammu