Unprecedented Rainfall Causes Havoc in Jammu and Kashmir; Dams Overflow, Warnings Issued

Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, are experiencing the consequences of heavy rainfall that has persisted for the last 24 hours, triggering numerous alerts and safety protocols. The Chenab River’s water levels have surged, leading to warnings from officials to avoid its banks, particularly in the Doda region. Reports suggest potential loss of life in Doda due to the escalating river levels; investigations are underway. Due to the heavy rainfall, both the Baglihar and Salal dams have reached overflow levels, necessitating the controlled release of water through their gates to mitigate the risk of flooding in the downstream areas. A flash flood and landslide were reported in the Stakpa area of Ladakh’s Kargil district; thankfully, there were no serious injuries or significant structural damage. The weather forecast predicts further rainfall for the Jammu division, advising residents to exercise extreme caution around water bodies. Heavy rain has also impacted Srinagar, specifically the Soura area, where several houses have suffered water damage, affecting ground floors and causing considerable inconvenience to residents.