New Delhi/Jammu, Aug 27 (IANS) — Continuous rainfall battered most parts of Jammu division on Wednesday, sparing only Poonch and Rajouri, as authorities worked round the clock to restore electricity, water supply and mobile connectivity in flood-hit areas.
Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said the Tawi river’s water level has receded, but the Chenab remains perilously close to the danger mark.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh updated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the situation. Singh, the Union MoS for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, said the Divisional Commissioner is in constant contact with him and that restoration of essential services remains the top priority.
Multiple agencies — SDRF, NDRF, Army, Air Force, paramilitary forces and civil administration — are coordinating rescue operations to evacuate stranded residents and distribute relief.
Authorities have ordered schools and colleges to remain closed and urged the public to avoid non-essential movement.
Singh noted that among the damaged structures is the historic Madhopur bridge, significant in history as the site where Dr Syama Prasad Mukherjee was arrested on May 11, 1953. Traffic on the bridge has been halted since 3 a.m.
Appealing for calm, Singh urged people to cooperate with the authorities and avoid panic. He also shared district-wise helpline numbers on his X handle for emergency assistance.
The Jammu district administration has evacuated over 3,500 residents from inundated areas as incessant rain caused flash floods and waterlogging. Police, NDRF, SDRF, Army personnel and local volunteers remain engaged in evacuation efforts, while the administration focuses on restoring critical infrastructure and essential services.
