Rain Havoc in Rajouri-Poonch: Schools Closed, House Collapses, Vehicles Damaged, Highway Blocked
Poonch, Rajouri face multiple disruptions as heavy rainfall triggers landslides, wall collapses, road blocks; CMO issues emergency health alert
Shivam Bakshi
Poonch/Rajouri, July 22 (JKNS): Incessant rainfall across the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch on Monday night and Tuesday morning led to widespread damage and disruption, prompting school closures, collapse of structures, and emergency alerts across several sectors.
Details available with news agency JKNS stated that, Flood-like conditions currently prevails in Mendhar due to rising river water levels, water levels of rivers also rising at various locations of Rajouri and Poonch.
Chief Education Officer (CEO) Poonch as per news agency JKNS ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the district for today due to safety concerns arising from heavy and continuous rainfall. The decision was taken to prevent any mishap involving students and staff amid the weather emergency.
Details available with news agency JKNS stated that a residential house collapsed in Panchayat Ghohrot, Ward No. 9 of Koteranka area after rainfall weakened the structure. The family had reportedly vacated the premises earlier due to wall cracks, preventing any casualties. Locals have urged the administration for compensation and temporary shelter.
At the main bus stand of Rajouri town, a boundary wall of a nearby Army camp collapsed due to rainfall-triggered soil erosion. The debris fell on two parked vehicles, causing significant damage. No injuries were reported, but panic spread in the crowded market area, it stated.
Details available with news agency JKNS stated that the backside road of ALG ground in Rajouri town was blocked after multiple trees and electricity poles fell, leading to power disruptions and road closure. Locals said electricity wires are lying across the road, posing risk to commuters. Efforts are underway to clear the area.
A massive landslide occurred in the Kalai area of Poonch, completely blocking the Jammu–Poonch National Highway. Long queues of stranded vehicles were seen on both sides. Authorities have deployed machinery and men to begin clearance operations and restore traffic as early as possible.
In response to the developing crisis, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Poonch, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan, issued an official circular directing round-the-clock availability of healthcare services across the district as per JKNS.
All health institutions, including Sub Health Centres (AAM), have been instructed to remain operational 24×7 to deal with any emergency arising out of weather-related incidents.
The Medical Superintendent of District Hospital Poonch and Block Medical Officers of Mendhar, Surankote, and Mandi have been told to ensure 100% attendance of all medical and paramedical staff. No leave of any kind will be granted during this period.
All ambulances are to remain in a ready state to respond to any exigency. The CMO warned that strict disciplinary action will be taken against any staff member found absent or negligent in their duties during this emergency period.
The administration has advised people in both districts to avoid unnecessary travel, especially near hills, nallahs, and vulnerable structures. Restoration, health, and disaster response teams remain active in the affected areas, it reads. (JKNS)
