The flood situation in the Akhnoor district of the Jammu division has resulted in tragedy, with an Agniveer from the Indian Army losing his life while carrying out rescue operations. The fallen soldier’s body was returned home on Saturday with full military honors. He was identified as Jimmy Gaminlun Met, who hailed from Manipur. On August 26th, the Chenab River in Akhnoor surged to dangerous levels, exceeding the danger mark by 14 feet. During an army-led Anti-Flood operation, Jimmy Gaminlun was swept away by the powerful floodwaters.
Another soldier has also sacrificed his life in Paragwal due to the ongoing crisis. Previously, Constable Rajib Nunia of the 195th Battalion of the BSF also lost his life.
Jimmy Gaminlun Met was a resident of the Silchar area of Assam. In addition to the flooding, the Jammu region is dealing with other severe weather events, including cloudbursts in the Ramban district that have claimed three lives. A landslide in Mahaur, Reasi district, has resulted in seven fatalities. Since Monday, the cumulative impact of floods, heavy rain, and cloudbursts has tragically resulted in 54 deaths.
Amidst the unfolding disaster, extensive relief and rescue efforts are ongoing. The water levels in all rivers across the Jammu division have fortunately fallen below the danger levels. The Army, Air Force, NDRF, SDRF, the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and other agencies are working together to aid those affected by the unprecedented floods.
The weather forecast for the next 24 hours predicts generally cloudy skies with scattered showers and thunderstorms in the Jammu region and isolated showers in parts of Kashmir. Unstable weather conditions are expected to continue until September 5th.
Rescue operations are also underway at Ardhkuwari on the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, following a landslide on Tuesday. The pilgrimage has been suspended for the next three days. Educational institutions in the Jammu division will remain closed until August 30th to ensure the safety of students and staff.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed for the fourth day in a row due to multiple landslides between Udhampur and Chenani, stranding over 500-600 vehicles. The Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag highway is also closed. Access is restricted to Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs) on the Mughal Road between Shopian (Kashmir) and Poonch (Jammu). The Srinagar-Leh and Srinagar-Gurez routes are also closed due to fresh snowfall.
Rail services in the Jammu division are disrupted and will continue to be affected. Northern Railway has canceled 40 scheduled trains to and from Jammu, while 12 others will either be terminated mid-journey or rerouted. Two special trains have been put into service to assist stranded passengers.
Officials indicate that rail traffic disruptions are anticipated to continue for several days at multiple locations, including at bridge number 17 on the Kathua-Madhopur Punjab Downline, due to flash floods and soil erosion.