The flooding situation in Jammu and Kashmir has intensified after days of continuous and heavy monsoon rainfall caused the Chenab River to surge and water levels in many places to climb by almost 35 feet. In a number of places the river is already above the danger level at Doda and Akhnoor, and district administration and disaster response agencies are on high alert as the river has crossed the danger level at some places. Water levels have climbed by almost 35 feet in the region, and flood levels are rapidly increasing.
The rapid rise in the Chenab has caused fears for people living in low-lying areas along the river basin. The swollen river channels and fast-flowing streams are a threat to villages, agricultural land, roads and other critical infrastructure, authorities said.
In Akhnoor, where the Chenab had crossed the critical warning level, floodwater entered low-lying areas - including a village and a river’s religious site - and some roads were closed or restricted as a precautionary measure. Emergency evacuations in places where possible are in place to evacuate vulnerable areas.
The Chenab Valley has also been affected, particularly in Doda and Kishtwar. Heavy rains have brought on strong currents, mudslides and landslips and have disrupted traffic along critical roads. National Highway 244 has been affected in some places and people who depend on the road network have been affected.
Officials have warned people to be careful to keep away from riverbanks, streams, nullahs and other water channels. Tourists and residents shouldn’t approach fast-flowing water because conditions can change quickly during heavy rainfall.
Emergency control rooms in some areas have been activated to monitor river levels and coordinate relief and rescue operations. Disaster management teams are monitoring vulnerable areas round-the-clock; police and rescue workers are deployed in those areas at the highest risk of flooding and landslides.
There are traffic restrictions on some of the older or unsafe bridges, and commuters are urged to take safer routes. There are rescue forces, including members of the State Disaster Response Force, on hand for emergencies, evacuation and flash flooding.
The major Himalayan rivers and tributaries, including the Chenab and Jhelum, are experiencing high water levels as monsoon conditions are predicted to remain active throughout the region. Heavy rainfall in the upper reaches can also trigger sudden increases in water levels downstream, making constant monitoring critical, the weather authorities said.
The recent developments have led to an even greater sense of urgency for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to be prepared. Residents of vulnerable areas should follow official procedures and should not go near rivers and landslide-prone areas.
With monsoon activity ongoing in the Himalayan region, officials are on alert for further heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides. The focus now is on saving lives, preparing for any possible disaster, and maintaining essential connectivity in areas affected by the rising Chenab River.
