Floods – Rajouri Power Network Suffers Extensive Damage After Flash Floods in Jammu and Kashmir

Floods –Recent flash floods have severely affected essential infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, leaving large parts of the region without electricity as officials continue large-scale restoration work.

The recent spell of intense rainfall and flash floods has caused significant damage to the electricity distribution network across Rajouri district in Jammu and Kashmir. According to officials from the Power Development Department (PDD), at least 15 electricity transformers were completely washed away, while nearly 200 others sustained varying degrees of damage, disrupting power supply in several towns and villages. Restoration work has begun on an emergency basis as authorities attempt to reconnect affected consumers as quickly as possible.

Restoration Teams Working Around the Clock

Rajouri PDD Executive Engineer Javed Akhtar said engineers, technical staff, field workers and labourers have been deployed across the district to repair the damaged infrastructure. He noted that electricity has already been restored in a number of affected localities, while repair work continues in areas where flood damage remains extensive.

The department has strengthened its workforce by bringing in additional personnel to accelerate restoration efforts. Local residents have also joined the operation by assisting officials in clearing damaged sites and supporting repair activities, helping speed up work in several locations.

Flood Damage Creates Major Technical Challenges

Officials said the restoration process has become particularly difficult because many electricity poles were uprooted or badly damaged by the floodwaters. In several places, washed-out access routes have also delayed the movement of equipment and repair teams.

Despite these obstacles, the department said it is continuing its restoration campaign across the district with the objective of restoring electricity to every affected area at the earliest possible opportunity. Teams remain deployed in the field throughout the day and night to repair damaged lines and replace critical equipment.

Rising Water Levels Trigger Dam Safety Measures

Earlier this week, persistent rainfall over Reasi district and the upper catchment areas led to a sharp increase in water entering the Salal reservoir. In response to the rising inflow, authorities opened all gates of the Salal Dam to regulate reservoir levels and maintain operational safety.

The controlled release of water, combined with continued rainfall, resulted in a noticeable rise in the water level of the Chenab River. Strong currents were reported downstream as officials closely monitored changing river conditions throughout the day.

Authorities Continue Monitoring Weather Conditions

Heavy rainfall continued across parts of the Reasi region for several hours, further increasing water inflow into both the Chenab River and the Salal reservoir. Government agencies remained on alert, tracking rainfall intensity and river levels to respond promptly to any further deterioration in the situation.

Officials have appealed to residents, particularly those living near riverbanks and other vulnerable locations, to stay away from fast-flowing water and avoid unnecessary movement in flood-prone areas until conditions improve.

Public Advised to Remain Alert

Since Tuesday morning, the district administration and Rajouri Police have issued multiple public advisories warning residents about the possibility of flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and further increases in river levels following continued rainfall.

Authorities have urged people to remain indoors unless travel is unavoidable and to follow all official instructions issued by local administration. Residents have also been advised to contact emergency services or district authorities immediately if they encounter any flood-related emergency or require assistance