The authorities issued a flood alert across parts of Jammu region on Tuesday after the water discharge in Ujh at Panjtirthi and the water level of the Ravi river in Kathua crossed the alert mark.
According to official data, the discharge of the Ujh river at Panjtirthi has reached 59,750 cusecs, surpassing the alert level of 48,000 cusecs. The danger level stands at 88,000 cusecs.
Similarly, the water level of the Ravi river in Kathua district has risen to 524.97 m MSL, crossing the alert mark of 523 m. The danger level for Ravi is 527.91 m MSL.
Authorities have directed district administrations to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Villagers residing along the riverbanks have been advised to stay cautious and follow official advisories.
This comes as heavy rains over the past two days have triggered a sharp rise in water levels of several rivers and streams in the Jammu region, prompting schools across the division to remain closed on Wednesday as a precautionary step.
Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department has sounded a dire warning of moderate to high flash-flood risk over select watersheds and neighbourhoods across key districts of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in the next 24 hours.
The sub-divisions under immediate threat include Anantnag, Doda, Kathua, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Poonch, Ramban, Reasi, and Udhampur.
The IMD has cautioned that fully saturated soils and low-lying areas in these vulnerable zones are at heightened risk of surface run-off and inundation.
Authorities have been urged to remain on high alert and take pre-emptive measures to protect life and property.
An official of IMD Srinagar said a spell of heavy to very heavy rain is expected at many places over Jammu, Kathua, Reasi, Doda, Udhampur, Rajouri and Ramban during next 14-16 hrs.
“A spell of moderate to heavy rain and brief intense showers at many places of Pir Panjal range and South South with heavy rain over Kishtwar, Poonch, Anantnag, Shopian and Kulgam and during next 14-16 hrs,” he said.
The official said there is a possibility of cloud burst, flash floods, landslides, water logging at few vulnerable places.
People have been advised to stay alert.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar ordered closure of multiple routes following heavy rainfall, landslides, and safety concerns.
In a post on X, Div Com Ramesh wrote that traffic has been barred on the 4th Bridge and the nearby rotary. The administration has advised commuters to avoid movement from Hotel Asia, Satwari Chowk, and Bhagwati Nagar towards Major Somnath Chowk and the 4th Bridge.
The Div Com said the road stretch from Atal Chowk (Panjthirthi) towards Sidhra Bridge has also been shut after landslide debris and shooting stones blocked the route.
Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an unprecedented monsoon onslaught with more than 130 people killed and 33 missing in cloudbursts, landslides and flash floods in Kishtwar, Kathua, Reasi and Ramban districts since August 14.
The dead include 34 pilgrims who were hit by a landslide en route to the Vaishno Devi shrine on August 26.