Mercury plunges as heavy rains lash Jammu

Jammu, Apr 29:  Mercury plunged as heavy rains lashed Jammu and other districts of the region, triggering landslides, causing widespread damages to property in several areas.

As a part of rain fury continuing for the past 48 hours, six houses were damaged in Kishtwar while lightning killed 28 goats, belonging to two nomadic families in Samba district.

Untimely spell of rain caused extensive damage to crops in many parts of Jammu region.

Persistent rains led to rise in water level in most of the rivers and nullahs. In plain and city areas, many localities and roads were inundated, causing major inconvenience to people. Damaged roads also impacted traffic flow.

In the wake of rain fury, the Reasi district administration also issued an advisory restricting movement along Chenab river.

“Due to high inflow from Salal dam, water levels in upstream and downstream villages along Chenab river will rise on April 29 and 30. To ensure safety movement of people, vehicles and animals along river banks is restricted,” the advisory read.

The district administration also announced the closure of schools on April 30. “Due to inclement weather conditions all educational institutions in district Reasi shall remain closed tomorrow on April 30, 2024,” read an order issued by District Magistrate Reasi.

In Kishtwar district, witnessing rainfall for the past three days, landslides damaged six houses. As a precautionary measure, schools were also closed. Eight members of a family in Poohie were shifted to a safer place by the Red Cross team in Kishtwar.

Following damage to houses, the Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh spoke to DC Kishtwar Devansh Yadav. “Mercifully, no loss of life. Incessant rain continues. All possible relief and rehabilitation measures initiated. Besides other agencies, the Indian Red Cross also pressed into service. I am in constant touch with the administration and concerned authorities,” Dr Jitendra posted on ‘X.’

Farmers in the Arnia belt suffered huge financial losses as untimely rain caused extensive damage to their crops.