Torrential rains batter Jammu and Kashmir, key bridge collapses in Kathua
Heavy overnight rainfall lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, inundating low-lying areas, damaging property, and disrupting daily life across multiple districts. Officials reported that the downpour also damaged a key bridge on the Jammu-Pathankot national highway in Kathua district.
A bridge near Logate Morh collapsed midway after the overflowing Sahar Khad stream swept through it. With strong currents affecting both bridges on the national highway, traffic movement was halted, and vehicles were diverted to an alternate route.
Several areas of Jammu city, including Janipur, Roop Nagar, Talab Tilloo, Jewel Chowk, New Plot, and Sanjay Nagar, were flooded, with water entering homes. Boundary walls collapsed, and nearly a dozen vehicles were washed away in flash floods, officials said.
Authorities issued advisories asking residents to avoid rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas, as the weather department predicted moderate to heavy rain until August 27, with chances of cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides in higher regions.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma said one of the bridges had suffered major damage while the second also showed signs of weakness. “The old bridge has developed significant damage. There was also some doubt about the condition of the new one, so as a precaution we immediately closed it. The highway authorities and their engineers are arriving to check it, and only after that will a decision be taken,” he said.
He added that revenue authorities were also inspecting reports of damage at Nagri bridge. “This is continuous rain. There is no need for foolishness or adventurism. Jumping onto a damaged structure is not bravery, and I would strongly urge people not to do that,” he said.
- PTC NEWS
