Floods – Heavy Rain Disrupts Roads as Authorities Monitor Rising Rivers in Jammu and Kashmir

Floods – Continuous heavy rainfall across parts of Jammu and Kashmir has disrupted normal life, with several roads remaining closed and authorities closely monitoring rising river levels to ensure public safety.

Persistent rainfall has severely affected Doda district, leading to the temporary closure of the Doda-Pul Doda Road and the Pul Doda-Ghat GMC Road. In addition to these key routes, multiple link roads have also become inaccessible due to landslides and water accumulation. District officials said emergency teams remain on alert as rivers and streams continue to swell following days of uninterrupted rain.

Administration Keeps Close Watch

Doda Deputy Commissioner Krishan Lal said the administration is reviewing the situation on a regular basis through field teams deployed across vulnerable areas. With rivers flowing above normal levels, officials have increased surveillance in locations that could face flooding or further disruptions.

According to the district administration, residents living near the riverbanks were shifted to safer locations after water levels rose recently. Officials confirmed that the precautionary evacuation was carried out to reduce potential risks, and they described the overall situation as being under control despite the challenging weather conditions.

Restoration Work Faces Delays

Authorities reported that nearly 56 interior roads across Doda district remain closed because of continuous rainfall. Road restoration and clearance operations are in progress, but officials acknowledged that ongoing rain is slowing repair work and making it difficult for machinery and workers to access affected stretches.

The administration said restoration teams are working wherever weather conditions permit, while priority is being given to reopening essential routes that connect remote villages with the district headquarters. Residents have also been advised to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.

Rising Water Levels in Rivers

Heavy rainfall has also increased the water level of the Jhelum River, prompting authorities to keep a close watch on the river’s flow. In Ramban district, several gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam have been opened to regulate the higher volume of incoming water and maintain safe operational levels.

Local residents said rainfall has continued since July 23, causing the Jhelum River to rise by nearly one foot. Although the increase has been gradual, officials have advised people living in low-lying areas and along riverbanks to remain alert and strictly follow all safety instructions issued by the administration.

Weather Outlook Remains Hopeful

Commenting on the prevailing conditions, Dr. Ejaz said there is optimism that the weather may improve over the coming days. He noted that the current rise in the Jhelum River has been steady rather than sudden, reducing the immediate risk of severe flooding under the present rainfall pattern.

However, he cautioned that a spell of intense rainfall could quickly change the situation. He said that if precipitation remains moderate and forecasts of improving weather hold true, the pressure on rivers is expected to ease. Authorities will continue monitoring water levels and weather forecasts while urging the public to stay informed through official advisories.

Disaster management teams, local officials, and emergency services remain on standby across the affected districts. The administration has appealed to residents to avoid flooded roads, stay away from fast-flowing rivers and streams, and cooperate with authorities whenever precautionary measures or evacuations become necessary.