Second-highest rainfall in a century leaves Jammu submerged; schools shut, exams postponed

The overnight downpour in Jammu has flooded low-lying areas, damaged vehicles, and disrupted daily life. 

All schools in the division were closed, and examinations planned for Monday were cancelled.

The Meteorological Department said Jammu recorded 190.4 mm of rain in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am. 

This is the second-highest rainfall for August in more than a century. 

The highest remains 228.6 mm recorded on  August 5, 1926, while 189.6 mm on  August 11 2022, was the earlier second-highest.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has put all departments on high alert after warnings of bad weather in the coming days, too.

The weather office has predicted moderate to heavy rain, with the risk of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in higher areas until August 27. 

“Control rooms are active, and the CM Office is in touch with departments. Priority is being given to drainage in affected areas and restoration of water supply and power. People are advised to remain cautious,” the chief minister's office said in a post on X.

This latest spell of rain follows a series of weather-related disasters across Jammu and Kashmir. On  August 14, a cloudburst struck Chashoti village in Kishtwar’s Paddar area during the Machail Mata yatra, killing 65 people, including security personnel and pilgrims. 

Houses and shops were washed away. Survivors described the sudden torrents as terrifying. 

Kathua district has also faced repeated damage due to bad weather. A recent cloudburst there destroyed farmland, killed livestock, and forced villagers to flee. 

On Sunday, the swollen Sahar Khad stream swept away a key bridge on the Jammu–Pathankot highway near Logate Morh. Traffic was immediately halted and diverted through other routes. 

Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma said the old bridge had suffered heavy damage, and the new one was also closed for safety checks.

Meanwhile, several parts of Jammu city, including Janipur, Roop Nagar, Talab Tilloo, Jewel Chowk, New Plot, and Sanjay Nagar, were left waterlogged. Homes were flooded, walls collapsed, and nearly a dozen vehicles were carried away by the gushing waters.

With repeated downpours, deadly cloudbursts, and damage to vital infrastructure, Jammu and Kashmir has been struggling under relentless bad weather, forcing the administration into emergency mode to prevent further loss of lives and property.