Pathankot's Border Villages Engulfed: Ujh River Unleashes Flood Havoc

A relentless torrent unleashed by heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh has plunged Pathankot’s border villages into a state of emergency. The Ujh river, swelling beyond its capacity, has breached its embankments, transforming tranquil farmlands and homes into a churning sea, reminiscent of the devastating floods that struck the region in 2022.

The impact is particularly severe in villages nestled along the Ujh river, including Gujratan, Tharial, Chak Ram Singh, and Kolian, where floodwaters have infiltrated homes and submerged vast expanses of standing crops.

Residents woke up to a harrowing scene, with their livelihoods threatened and livestock struggling against the rising tide. The sheer volume of water is staggering; the Ujh river is currently flowing at an alarming 240,000 cusecs, significantly higher than the 125,000 cusecs recorded during the 2022 deluge.

As the situation rapidly escalated, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was swiftly deployed to the affected zones.

Working in conjunction with the district administration, NDRF teams are tirelessly engaged in critical rescue operations, evacuating stranded villagers to safer havens. Pathankot Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Hans confirmed the gravity of the situation, assuring the public that all necessary measures are being taken to mitigate the crisis and protect lives.

Compounding the regional anxiety, the Ravi river is also experiencing a worrying surge in its water levels.

While the immediate focus remains on the Ujh-affected areas, authorities are closely monitoring the situation across the district to anticipate and prevent further escalation. The memories of the 2022 floods serve as a stark reminder of nature’s raw power, urging heightened vigilance and proactive responses from both officials and residents.

The coming days will be crucial as authorities battle to manage the floodwaters and provide relief to the displaced.

The resilience of Pathankot's border communities will be tested once again as they face the arduous task of recovery and rebuilding in the wake of this natural calamity.