Four Fatalities and Extensive Damage in J&K as Cloudbursts and Landslides Strike; IMD Issues Warnings

Heavy rainfall has brought severe impacts to Jammu and Kashmir, triggering urgent weather alerts, including warnings for landslides and cloudbursts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The recent downpours have resulted in at least four deaths in Doda district, accompanied by considerable damage to property throughout the Jammu region. Officials report that two deaths occurred due to a house collapse under the heavy rain, with the other two fatalities linked to flash floods caused by swollen streams. The district administration in Doda is actively managing rescue and relief efforts. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah held an emergency meeting and announced his forthcoming visit to Jammu to assess the situation on the ground and oversee relief measures, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) has been shut down due to multiple landslides, flash floods, and falling rocks, while schools in Jammu are closed as a safety precaution. The Tawi Bridge from the Bikram Chowk side is also closed to traffic. The IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts for multiple districts, cautioning residents about potential flash floods, landslides, and rising water levels, especially in rivers such as the Tawi. The forecast indicates heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected to continue, particularly in Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Doda, and Kishtwar. In the Valley, South Kashmir is projected to experience the most severe impact, with potential flash floods and downstream surges. Authorities are advising residents in vulnerable areas to exercise extreme caution. Rescue teams are working to assist affected families. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has postponed the upcoming exams for 10th and 11th grades because of the adverse weather.