The Border Security Force (BSF) Water Wing has intensified its patrols along the unfenced international border in Jammu, where swollen rivers are flowing towards Pakistan due to relentless rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast for Thursday predicted a “generally cloudy sky with moderate rain,” with maximum and minimum temperatures expected at 28°C and 25°C, respectively. Meanwhile, the Poonch river’s rising water levels have prompted the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to deploy teams for constant monitoring and to ensure public safety. Assistant Sub-Inspector Zakir of SDRF Poonch confirmed that personnel have been stationed by the district administration and state government, advising locals to stay away from water bodies to avoid casualties.
In addition to the swollen rivers, heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage across the Kalakote division of Rajouri district, where three consecutive days of downpour have triggered landslides, damaging houses and blocking vital roads. According to Tanveer Hussain Khan, Assistant Development Commissioner (ADC) of Kalakote, emergency teams are working round the clock to manage the situation. Schools, both government and private, have remained closed for the second straight day due to safety concerns. Authorities have established control rooms to coordinate emergency assistance, while the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is working to clear blocked routes and mitigate damage caused by the landslides.
The heavy rains and landslides have resulted in significant losses in the hilly areas of Rajouri and Poonch, with at least 25 houses reported damaged. Rehabilitation centers have been set up to provide temporary shelter for affected families. Earlier this week, a tragic landslide in Poonch claimed the life of a 5-year-old student and left four other children and a teacher injured. According to Medical Officer Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad, all injured are stable and remain under observation at the district hospital. Authorities continue to warn residents to stay indoors and avoid landslide-prone areas as rain is expected to continue in the coming days.
