Kashmir Impulse Desk
Srinagar, Aug 11
Heavy rain lashed parts of the Jammu region on Tuesday, pushing up water levels in rivers and streams and prompting authorities to step up precautions, while seven people were rescued after being stranded by a surge in the Ujh river in Kathua.
The Ujh crossed its danger mark around midday following heavy overnight rainfall in Kathua district, but the water level began falling later in the day, officials said.
Kathua Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma said the river remained below the evacuation level and the situation was under control.
Seven members of a nomadic community – six women and a child – were stranded near Mahi Chak village after a sudden rise in the river, but were safely evacuated with the help of State Disaster Response Force and National Disaster Response Force teams after the water receded.
Kathua recorded 156 mm of rain in the 24 hours leading up to Tuesday, the highest in the Jammu region, followed by Jammu with 79 mm, Katra with 71 mm and Samba with 55 mm, according to the meteorological department.
The India Meteorological Department has maintained an orange alert for parts of the Jammu region, warning of isolated heavy rain, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds through August 15, along with the possibility of landslides, shooting stones and flash floods in vulnerable areas.
Rainfall activity is expected to weaken from August 16.
Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert and avoid rivers, streams and other water bodies.
Separately, a man died in Kathua after coming into contact with an inverter during the period of heavy rainfall, according to the report.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway remained open to regulated two-way traffic on Tuesday, although rainfall, damaged road sections and vehicle breakdowns slowed movement at several points.
Traffic authorities said light motor vehicles and heavy vehicles were being allowed from both directions, subject to weather and road conditions.
At Dewal in Udhampur, traffic was moving through a single-lane stretch of about 30-40 metres because of damaged and uneven road surfaces.
Movement was also slow at Maroog-Kishtwari Pather in Ramban, where vehicles were using a single-lane section amid road damage and ongoing highway construction.
Three vehicle breakdowns between Nashri and Banihal caused additional congestion.
Authorities have advised travellers to check the latest highway status before setting out and have urged passengers and light-vehicle operators to favour daytime travel between Ramban and Banihal.
Drivers have also been warned about possible landslides and shooting stones and advised against unnecessary stoppages at vulnerable locations.
Heavy-vehicle operators have been asked to avoid overloading, ensure vehicle fitness and carry adequate fuel.
Subject to weather and road conditions, passenger vehicles, private cars, heavy vehicles and goods carriers are expected to be allowed to travel in both directions on Wednesday.
