Jammu, July 24: Amid continuous heavy rainfall, the Border Security Force (BSF) Water Wing has stepped up vigilance along the unfenced stretches of the international border in Jammu, where rivers have swelled and are flowing towards Pakistan.
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jammu is expected to experience a “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain” today. The maximum temperature is likely to reach 28°C, while the minimum may settle around 25°C.
Heavy rainfall on Wednesday lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, causing a sharp rise in river levels and triggering landslides across the region. In Poonch, the swelling water level of the Poonch river prompted the deployment of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to monitor the situation and prevent casualties.
Assistant Sub-Inspector Zakir of SDRF Poonch confirmed the deployment, stating, “We have been deployed here by the district administration and the state government. The region is experiencing heavy rainfall. We’ve advised residents to stay away from water bodies and are taking all necessary precautions to prevent any casualties. The water level has risen significantly.”
In the Kalakote division of Rajouri district, incessant rainfall for the third consecutive day has led to multiple landslides, damaging over 25 houses and causing widespread road blockades. All government and private schools remain shut for the second day.
Assistant Development Commissioner (ADC) Kalakote, Tanveer Hussain Khan, said, “People have suffered heavy losses. We’ve evacuated many to safer locations and set up rehabilitation centres in Kalakote. BRO is working round the clock to restore damaged roads. Schools remain closed as a safety precaution.”
Authorities in Rajouri have also established emergency control rooms and urged residents to avoid travelling through landslide-prone zones.
Tragedy struck earlier on July 21 in Poonch district when a landslide near a school claimed the life of a young student. According to Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad, Medical Officer at the district hospital, “A total of five children were injured in the incident. A 5-year-old was brought in dead. The others sustained minor injuries and are under observation. A teacher was also injured but is stable.”
The administration continues to monitor the evolving weather situation, urging residents to remain indoors and cooperate with rescue and relief teams.
