*Relentless rains wreak havoc in Jammu
Govind Sharma
JAMMU, July 10: Relentless overnight and early morning rainfall across the Jammu region, particularly in Kathua, Samba, and Jammu districts, caused major destruction to public and private property and claimed the life of an 11-year-old girl in a tragic landslide incident in Poonch district.
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Several districts, including Kathua, Samba and Jammu were badly affected as floodwaters washed away roads, entered residential areas, damaged infrastructure, disrupted power supply, and rendered many areas temporarily inaccessible. The rainfall figures peaked at 174.8 mm in Kathua, followed by 96 mm in Samba and 37.7 mm in Jammu, contributing to a series of weather-triggered disasters, including flash floods, landslides, and waterlogging.
In a heart-rending tragedy, a minor girl lost her life after being struck by a stone dislodged during a landslide in the Panchayat Takya Kalaban area of Mendhar Sub Division in Poonch district. Officials identified the deceased as 11-year-old Afiya Kousar, daughter of Mukhtar Ahmad, who died on the spot after being hit by a falling stone triggered by the landslide. The incident occurred amid heavy rains that have left several hilly areas vulnerable to such hazards.
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The sudden tragedy has devastated Afiya’s family and shocked the entire community. Police have taken cognizance of the incident and are looking into the circumstances that led to the fatal landslide, while authorities have issued advisories urging residents in landslide-prone zones to remain alert during periods of intense rainfall.
Kathua district reported some of the most severe damage. Heavy rainfall led to flooding in several areas, damaging around 500 metres of road connecting village Maha Patti to the National Highway at Lakhanpur. The road developed deep gorges, making it difficult for pedestrians and halting vehicular movement. The boundary wall of the Sports Stadium in Kathua collapsed under the pressure of floodwaters, and an adjoining residential house also sustained damage.
Tehsildar Kathua Vikram Singh visited various locations to assess the extent of property loss. Strong winds and continued rainfall led to waterlogging on roads and streets, while uprooted trees fell on electric wires, causing power outages in several localities. The Ujh River was flowing above the danger mark, posing serious threats to agricultural land in areas including Kathua, Rajbagh, and Korepunnu.
In Samba, heavy rainfall during the early hours of the day led to flooding in several homes in Ward Number 13 of Chak Manga Rakwal. Rainwater entered houses and damaged household items, bedding, food supplies, and other essentials. Debris fell on several stretches of the Samba-Mansar-Udhampur and Samba-Sumb roads, blocking traffic and causing serious inconvenience. Waterlogging further complicated movement, and vehicular operations resumed only after floodwaters receded.
The Meteorological Department has issued a forecast for the coming days, indicating continued unsettled weather. Between July 11 and 13, hot and humid conditions with light rain or thundershower spells are expected at scattered places. From July 14 to 16, intermittent light to moderate rainfall is likely at many places, with the possibility of intense showers and heavy rain at isolated locations. July 17 is expected to be partly cloudy with brief showers.
An official advisory has warned of intense showers at a few locations across J&K, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in parts of the Jammu division during July 10 and July 14-16. The risk of flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones remains high during this period. Farmers have been advised to suspend irrigation and other farm operations to avoid risk.
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