J&K Grapples with Deadly Cloudburst and Flash Floods, IMD Issues Severe Weather Alerts

Jammu and Kashmir is facing the devastating consequences of torrential rainfall, prompting the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to issue severe weather alerts, including warnings for potential landslides and cloudbursts. The region has endured relentless downpours over the past 24 hours, resulting in at least four fatalities in Doda district and significant property damage across the Jammu region. The district administration in Doda is actively involved in rescue and relief operations, addressing the widespread impact on residential structures and other properties. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation and announced his plans to visit Jammu to oversee the ground operations, emphasizing the critical need for increased vigilance and preparedness. The ongoing adverse weather conditions have led to the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) due to landslides, flash floods, and rockfalls, along with the closure of schools in Jammu as a precautionary measure. The Tawi Bridge from the Bikram Chowk side is also closed for traffic, with diversions in place. The IMD has issued orange and yellow alerts for several districts, warning of further flash floods, landslides, and rising river levels, with forecasts predicting continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several areas. Authorities are urging residents, especially in low-lying and hilly areas, to exercise extreme caution as intermittent showers persist. Rescue teams, including police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and civil defense personnel, have been deployed to assist affected families. The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) postponed the scheduled 10th and 11th-class exams due to the inclement weather.