Heavy Rain Batters Jammu Region as Ujh River Crosses Danger Mark in Kathua
Jammu: Heavy rains lashed several parts of the Jammu region on Tuesday, triggering a sharp rise in water levels and prompting safety alerts in vulnerable areas.
Kathua recorded the highest rainfall at 156 mm, followed by Jammu with 79 mm, Katra with 71 mm and Samba with 55 mm during the past 24 hours, according to the Meteorological Department. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The intense rainfall caused a brief surge in the Ujh River in Kathua, which crossed the danger mark around noon before its water level began receding later in the day.
Ujh River Crosses Danger Mark
The Ujh River crossed the danger mark at around 12 pm on Tuesday following heavy overnight rainfall in Billawar and its higher reaches.
Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma said the water level remained above the danger mark for around two hours but did not reach the evacuation level.
He said the district administration had already issued precautionary warnings and remained in an alert mode.
By late afternoon, the water level had started falling and the overall situation remained under control, the Deputy Commissioner said.
Seven People Rescued from Swollen River
The sudden rise in the Ujh River also left seven members of a nomadic community stranded near Mahi Chak village.
The group included six women and a child.
The stranded people were safely evacuated with the assistance of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams after the water level began to recede.
Kathua Records Highest Rainfall
According to rainfall data cited by the Meteorological Department, the Jammu region recorded significant rainfall over the previous 24 hours.
| Location | Rainfall |
|---|---|
| Kathua | 156 mm |
| Jammu | 79 mm |
| Katra | 71 mm |
| Samba | 55 mm |
The rainfall has also increased concerns about flash floods, landslides and sudden rises in rivers and streams in vulnerable areas.
Orange Alert Remains in Place
An orange alert remains in place for the Jammu region for the period from August 12 to August 15, with forecasts of isolated heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
The weather conditions may also trigger landslides, shooting stones and flash floods at vulnerable locations.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast fairly widespread to widespread light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms across the region, with isolated heavy rainfall during the period. Weather activity is expected to weaken from August 16.
Authorities Issue Safety Advisory
Divisional and district authorities have urged people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert and avoid going near rivers, streams, nalas and other water bodies during periods of heavy rainfall.
People have also been advised to exercise caution while travelling through areas vulnerable to landslides, flash floods and falling stones.
Man Dies of Electrocution in Kathua
Meanwhile, a man died of electrocution in Kathua after coming into contact with an inverter during the intense spell of rainfall.
The incident highlights the additional risks posed by wet conditions and electrical equipment during heavy rain.
Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution around electrical appliances and damaged or exposed electrical installations during the ongoing weather spell.
Weather Situation Remains Under Watch
The latest spell of heavy rain has kept authorities on alert across the Jammu region, particularly in areas close to rivers and other water bodies.
With further rain expected in the coming days, residents in vulnerable locations have been advised to follow official warnings and avoid unnecessary movement during intense weather.
The IMD’s latest bulletins continue to forecast widespread rainfall activity over Jammu and Kashmir during this period.
