Persistent downpours, flooding, and landslides have thrown Jammu into turmoil. Constant rain has swollen rivers, creating devastating scenes: the low valley is submerged, numerous roads and bridges have collapsed. The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage track was devastated when a landslide claimed thirty‑two lives and left many others injured.
Sub‑Governor Manoj Singh Katra visited Narayan Hospital in Kakkariel to check on the wounded. During his visit, he announced that a compensation of nine lakh rupees will be offered to every family of a deceased person. He explained that the disaster occurred after a sudden cloudburst on the afternoon of yesterday on the Vaishno Devi route, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries, with rescue operations still in progress. The shrine board will award each bereavement a sum of five lakh rupees, and the state disaster department will add four lakh rupees, summing to nine lakh rupees per family.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Umer Abdullah updated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday about the severe rains and floods in Jammu. He reported that he had just spoken with the Prime Minister, bringing the issue to the national level in appreciation of the NDRF team’s deployment. The Prime Minister assured that the central government would support the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir in every possible way.
When the rain stopped on Wednesday, some relief surfaced. The Chief Minister compared the situation to the previous day, noting the reduced water levels in the lower areas. He reminded of the damage causing the fourth bridge over the Ravi River in Jammu during the floods of 2014, and noted that a similar place suffered again this year. He pointed out a continuing threat that remains unclear. Investigating why similar damage occurs now and in 2014 requires a team of experts, and decisive actions must be taken to prevent recurrence. Since houses close to riverbanks are always susceptible to peril during heavy rain, measures must be taken immediately.