Heavy rains lashed parts of Jammu region on Sunday triggering landslide and cloudburst while eight people have been rescued from flash floods.
The authorities have ordered closure of all schools in the region in view of the inclement weather alerts.
Rain showers lashed today in most areas of Jammu region with few areas receiving heavy to heavy rains.
The power supply also remained affected in parts of the region due rains.
A MeT official forecast heavy rains in some districts of Jammu regions till September 2.
It has also warned of the possibility of cloudburst, flash floods, landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones at vulnerable places.
People have been advised to stay away from water bodies, nallahs, river embankments, loose structures, etc.
Meanwhile, in a night long rescue operation, police saved the lives of eight men trapped in Chenab river in Doda district.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Doda, Sandeep Mehta said that a distress call was received at Police Station Assar around midnight regarding eight persons trapped in the middle of river Chenab at Karmail area of Assar Doda.
“The individuals were using makeshift wooden raft but got trapped amidst the floating timber,” the SSP said said, adding, "on receipt of the information, District Police Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) along with SDRF were immediately mobilized to the spot with all necessary rescue equipment. The situation was aggravated due to dense fog over Chenab, which reduced visibility."
However, with the help of high-powered torches and coordinated guidance, the stranded persons were made to navigate towards the woods and eventually reach the river bank safely.
Due to the prompt and coordinated efforts of Police, SDRF, Army, and local support, all eight individuals were rescued safely without any casualty, he said.
An inquiry in this regard is underway to ascertain the circumstances under which the persons got trapped in the Chenab river.
"At this stage, it is being verified whether they had entered the river for the purpose of illegally collecting timber in violation of the prohibitory order of the District Magistrate or otherwise,” the SSP said.
If during the course of enquiry any deliberate act is established, he said that such as attempt to commit theft of timber or disobedience of lawful order thereby endangering human life, appropriate legal action under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 shall be initiated against the involved persons.
Police has appealed to the public not to indulge in such risky acts, as venturing into Chenab using unsafe rafts or makeshift means can prove fatal and life-threatening, he said.
Anyone found indulging in such unlawful and dangerous activities shall also face strict legal action, he said.
Meanwhile, authorities today ordered closure of all government and private schools across Jammu Division for September 1 in view of the continuing inclement weather conditions.
An order issued by Directorate of School Education Jammu stated that the decision was taken to ensure the safety of students and staff amid incessant rains and landslides in hilly areas.
"In continuation to earlier orders and keeping in view the incessant rains and landslides in hilly areas, it is hereby ordered that all government and private schools across Jammu Division shall continue to remain closed on 01-09-2025 (Monday),” the order signed by Director School Education Jammu, Dr. Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, read.
Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) papers scheduled for Monday have also been postponed and a new date will be notified separately.