Downpour disrupts life in Jammu: Heavy rain gives commuters a tough time; Chenab flows 5 ft above normal

Downpour disrupts life in Jammu
Heavy rain gives commuters a tough time; Chenab flows 5 ft above normal
Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Akhnoor/Jammu, July 24
Due to downpour in the Jammu region today, the water level in the Chenab at Akhnoor has touched 29 ft and is flowing 5 ft above normal.

The Flood Control Department has also become active and alerted all its officials to regularly monitor the situation and prepare reports after every half an hour.

The downpour, which was measured at 78.7 mm in Jammu city, affected normal life. As the drainage system was choked, the rainwater flooded various city roads, caused extensive damage to roads and gave commuters a tough time.

At some places rainwater entered into moving vehicles and some houses. Though the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) officials came out with heavy machinery to clear the roads, yet little could be done to ease the situation. Diversions were made at many places so that commuters could reach their destinations.

“The drainage system has totally collapsed and the officials concerned are the least bothered about the problems being faced by the common man,” said Savita Khajuria, a housewife.

The officials of the Meteorological Department at Srinagar said the situation was almost similar in Samba, RS Pura, Katra, Banihal, Batote and Bhadarwah, where the downpour created chaos and confusion.

They predicted more showers in the next 24 hours across the region.

SD Sharma, Assistant Engineer, Flood Control Department, Akhnoor, said: “Due to downpour in the region, especially in the upper areas, the water level in the Chenab has reached up to the height of 29 ft. The department officials have been alerted and all possible steps are being taken. Minute-to-minute reports are being sent to the higher-ups, who are regularly in touch with the Army and the Air Force. In case, any odd situation arises, the Army and the Air Force officials could be called for rescue operations.”

He added that “so far, we have not received any information about any losses, but if the rain continues till night, any untoward situation can happen, as the water level in other canals and tributaries has also increased.”

Sharma also appealed to the people living in low-lying areas to follow the department’s advisories and avoid going near the river.

Courtesy: The Tribune