Flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall struck the Barkuanda area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district early Friday, damaging several houses and prompting the evacuation of affected families, officials said.
According to Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Chenani, Dr. Ranjeet Singh Kotwal, three affected families were shifted to the Government Middle School at Barkuanda as a precautionary measure after their houses were impacted by the flash floods. He said no loss of life or injuries had been reported, and the district administration was closely monitoring the situation.
Dr. Kotwal said officials have initiated an assessment to evaluate the damage caused by flash floods and landslides, while necessary assistance is being extended to the affected families.
In a separate incident, flash floods also hit Kadwah village in Basantgarh tehsil, where overflowing water damaged several houses and standing maize crops. Authorities diverted the floodwater through an alternative channel, preventing further damage to residential structures and agricultural land.
Meanwhile, the Tawi River at Udhampur continued to flow below the alert level. According to the latest readings, the river was flowing at 12.655 feet, against the alert level of 15 feet.
However, the Chenab River at Akhnoor once again crossed the flood alert level, raising concerns among the authorities as heavy rainfall persisted across the region.
Jammu and Kashmir has been witnessing continuous heavy rainfall over the past several days, resulting in widespread damage due to flash floods, landslides, rising river levels and disruption of normal life in several districts. Authorities have urged residents, particularly those living in vulnerable and low-lying areas, to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement and strictly follow official advisories.
