The Chenab River in Jammu and Kashmir breached danger levels on Thursday following relentless rainfall across the region, triggering alarm and a string of rain-related casualties in Doda district.
The surge, linked to overflow at the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project, was accompanied by landslides, road closures and rescue operations. Authorities confirmed that several lives were lost in Doda owing to weather-linked incidents.
Doda-Kishtwar-Ramban Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Shridhar Patil urged residents to stay away from water bodies. “All of you must have noticed that the water level has risen in the Chenab River. One incident has also come to our notice in the Doda district, in which some people have lost their lives. I appeal to all people not to go near the rivers... The water level is very high. Do not put yourself at risk,” he informed.
Also read: Flash floods take toll of 3 lives in parts of J&K, 4 rescued
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) was deployed in various areas, including Jammu, where one man was rescued from the swollen Tawi River on Wednesday after overnight downpours. SDRF teams were seen navigating stairways and slippery banks to bring the stranded individual to safety.
Meanwhile, vehicular traffic came to a halt at Chanderkote, as the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained blocked due to a landslide at Mehar and the T2 Tunnel stretch, officials confirmed.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for sustained heavy rainfall over Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gilgit-Baltistan and Muzaffarabad from 25th to 27th June, with East Uttar Pradesh also expected to witness intense showers through 30th June.
A broader weather bulletin also predicted light to moderate rainfall across northwest India, accompanied by gusty winds of up to 40 kmph, lightning and thunderstorms till the end of the month.
Local authorities remain on alert, and the situation is being monitored closely, especially around vulnerable slopes and riverside communities.
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