Severe Flooding Grips Northern India: Jammu & Kashmir Among the Worst Affected

Jammu & Kashmir / Delhi / Punjab, September 3, 2025 — Heavy monsoon rains have unleashed widespread devastation across northern India, with Jammu & Kashmir bearing the brunt of nature’s fury. Torrential downpours have swelled rivers and triggered landslides, forcing mass evacuations and disrupting life on a massive scale.

According to official figures released by the Central Water Commission, the Yamuna River in Delhi surged past its danger mark on Tuesday, prompting emergency measures that saw nearly 10,000 residents relocated to safer zones. (Source: Reuters)

J&K & Hill States Suffer Massive Losses

In Jammu & Kashmir, the rains have emerged as a silent killer. A tragic incident in Rajouri involved the collapse of a residential wall that took the lives of a mother and her daughter—emphasizing how infrastructure in vulnerable zones is buckling under relentless weather.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued multiple red alerts across high-risk zones such as Reasi, Poonch, Doda, Katra, and Ramban, warning of intense thunderstorms, flash floods, and landslides over the next 48 hours. Reasi alone recorded an astonishing 203 mm of rain, followed by Katra with 193 mm, and Batote with 157 mm.

Punjab & Haryana: A Cry for Help

In Punjab, the situation is equally dire. The state is recording levels of rainfall not seen in decades, culminating in the displacement of thousands and the crushing of farmlands. An estimated 30 lives have already been lost, and 20,000 people evacuated from low-lying areas. Additionally, over 150,000 hectares of crops have perished.

Responding to this humanitarian crisis, the Haryana Chief Minister, Naib Singh Saini, mobilized ₹10 crore from the Relief Fund—splitting ₹5 crore each between Punjab and J&K. While some cheered the gesture, social media lit up with criticism from Gurgaon's residents, who pointed out that severe waterlogging in their own city after a mere two hours of rain remained unaddressed.

Schools Closed, Pilgrimages Suspended

With strong advisories from IMD, educational institutions across flood-prone areas have been ordered to remain shut. The pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi remains suspended, especially as Katra recorded over 200 mm rainfall, causing massive landslide threats.

On-Ground Realities

Local journalists from The Hindu, NDTV, and Tribune have been sending in harrowing first-hand accounts from submerged villages, stranded communities, and desperate rescue missions. Roads through Ramban and Udhampur—critical lifelines for remote locals—have vanished into landslide debris.

Aid workers have reported challenges in reaching remote hamlets despite deploying helicopters and NDRF teams. One rescue volunteer described the scene: “Water levels rose so fast—villages were cut off in minutes. We had to rescue kids and elders using makeshift rafts.”

Looking Ahead

With forecasts predicting continued intense rainfall, the danger zone remains elevated. Government relief operations are in full swing, but logistical obstacles and persistent inclement weather are slowing efforts.

Meanwhile, political leaders across the region are coordinating relief strategies and assuring citizens of rehabilitation support. Yet the question lingers: how prepared is the region for these increasingly frequent climate-induced disasters?

Source: Based on reporting by Reuters (Read Original)

Labels: Floods 2025, Northern India, Jammu & Kashmir, Heavy Rainfall, Disaster Relief

Tags: #Jammu #Kashmir #News #India

Disclaimer: The content provided is for informational purposes only. Jammu News Portal is not responsible for the accuracy of external sources.