Jammu Reels Under Torrential Rains: Swelling Rivers Force School Closures, Halt Amarnath Yatra

Torrential rainfall has brought life in the Jammu region to a standstill, triggering flash floods, causing rivers to swell menacingly, and leading to widespread disruptions. Authorities have responded swiftly by ordering the closure of all government and private schools in Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua districts, prioritizing the safety of students amidst the deteriorating weather conditions.

The region's vital lifelines, including the Chenab and Tawi rivers, are experiencing a significant surge in water levels.

The Ujh and Basantar rivers, in particular, have breached the danger mark at several points, prompting urgent warnings to residents living near riverbanks and low-lying areas. The situation remains precarious, with continuous monitoring by disaster management teams.

Adding to the chaos, the crucial Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been shut down for traffic due to multiple landslides and substantial accumulation of debris.

Blockages have been reported at key locations such as Samroli, Dalwas, and near the T2 Tunnel, effectively severing the primary road link between Jammu and Kashmir Valley. Hundreds of vehicles, including those carrying pilgrims, are stranded on both sides of the highway, awaiting clearance operations.

The extreme weather has also cast a shadow over the revered Amarnath Yatra.

The pilgrimage has been temporarily suspended from both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes due to the treacherous conditions, leaving thousands of devotees stranded at various base camps. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of the pilgrims until the weather improves and the routes are deemed safe for passage.

District administrations across Jammu have issued stern advisories, urging citizens to remain indoors and avoid venturing near rivers, streams, and other water bodies.

Emergency response teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local police are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations, particularly in areas affected by waterlogging and flash floods. Residents are encouraged to stay updated with official announcements and cooperate with authorities to navigate through this challenging period safely.