Jammu, Aug 11: Seven persons, including four women, were rescued after they were left stranded in the Ujh river due to a sudden rise in the water level following incessant rains in Kathua district on Tuesday.
The rescue operation was launched after police post Nagri was informed that seven civilians were left stranded in the swollen Ujh river near their Mahi Chak village, a police spokesman said.
After sustained and meticulous efforts by joint teams of police and SDRF, all the trapped persons were rescued and handed over to their family members, he said.
The rescued persons were identified as Malka Khatam (50), Zulfa Begum (30), Seema Begum (60), Iqbal Ali (9), Shaina Bano (11), Mobina Bano (17) and Asia Bano (16).
The water level in the Ujh river at Kathua crossed the danger mark today following heavy rains in the district, prompting authorities to remain on high alert.
The Ujh river at Kathua recorded a discharge of 95,099 cusecs at noon, crossing the danger level of 95,099 cusecs, while the alert level is 52,341 cusecs.
The discharge in the river witnessed a nearly nine-fold increase within two hours.
The evacuation level at the location has been set at 1,44,701 cusecs.
Police appealed to the public to remain cautious and avoid venturing near rivers and nallahs during inclement weather.
According to the Meteorological Department, Kathua recorded the highest 156 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours ending 5.30 pm.
Jammu recorded 79 mm of rainfall, followed by Katra (71 mm) and Samba (55 mm), resulting in a sudden rise in the main rivers and other water bodies, leading to flash floods in low-lying areas, especially in Kathua district, an official said.
The weatherman has forecast a wet spell till August 22 with the possibility of heavy rain or brief intense heavy showers at a few districts on August 12 and again between August 17 and 19 at one or two districts of Jammu division.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation amid the possibility of rising water levels and flash flooding in vulnerable areas of Jammu region