Srinagar, Aug 24 (JKNS): Torrential rains lashed parts of Jammu region through the night, swelling rivers and streams and creating a flood-like situation in several areas.
Reports reaching news agency JKNS, The Ujh River in Kathua district has surged past the danger mark, while Jammu city has logged its second-highest August rainfall in nearly a century.
According to data available with JKNS, the Ujh at Panjtirthi was flowing at 108750 cusecs this morning, crossing the danger threshold of 88000 cusecs. At Kathua, the discharge stood at 106160 cusecs, also above the set danger level of 95099 cusecs. Officials said evacuation levels remain much higher but the sharp rise in water levels has raised alarm in low-lying areas.
The Meteorological Department reported 190.4 mm rainfall in Jammu within 24 hours up to 8:30 a.m., a figure only surpassed once in the last 99 years. The heaviest August downpour of 228.6 mm was recorded in 1926, while the 2022 cloudburst had registered 189.6 mm.
The relentless showers also caused the Sahar Khad in Kathua to overflow, damaging a bridge near Logate Mor on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway. In Jammu city, heavy inundation was reported from Bhawani Nagar (Janipur) and Kabir Colony (Talab Tillo), disrupting movement and affecting households.
Authorities said they are keeping strict vigil over river flows and vulnerable embankments, urging residents in sensitive zones to exercise caution as the situation continues to evolve. (JKNS)