Heavy rains in Jammu

The winter capital of the state today witnessed heavy rainfall during morning hours. While it cooled down temperatures, bringing down mercury from 31.6 degrees Celsius to 29.6 degrees, it played havoc with life in the winter capital as it resulted in severe water logging at many crossings and markets of Jammu city. The roof of a house also collapsed at Rajpura Mangotrian area but no one was injured in the accident.

Heavy rains today morning lashed entire Jammu province which also resulted into water logging at many places due to choking of drains and accumulation of filth and garbage. Due to unclean drains, water logging took place at Kunjwani Chowk, Dogra Chowk, Krishna Nagar, road adjoining RRL labouratory, Bhagwati Nagar which also resulted in traffic jams at many crossing points.

Near Asia Chowk there was around 1 to 2 feet of water logging which halted the traffic flow for few minutes. The Dogra Chowk was looking like a mini-pool and water logging was around 2 feet deep. Some two wheelers also met with accidents due to deep water logging.

JMC authorities pressed their men and machinery into action to de-log rain water which had accumulated on roads especially at Dogra Chowk by using Suction machines, JCB’s and labourers but all in vain.  After few hours when rain fall stopped, water logging areas became clear.

The drains of Pacca Danga and Kali Janni area were choked with garbage, consequently the overflowing drains water entered into few shops. Shopkeepers of the area while criticising the JMC authorities said that it was only due to carelessness of JMC authorities that the rain water had entered into their shops.

The roof of a house also collapsed in Rajpura Mangotrian area due to heavy rains. No physical loss has been reported in the roof collapse but some household items were buried under the debris of roof.

Metereological department authorities said that due to strong monsoon currents Jammu city today recorded 19.4 mm of rainfall in between 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Banihal recorded 0.2 mm, Batote 1.0 mm, Katra recorded 23.4 mm of rainfall. While Srinagar, Kupwara and Kajikund recorded no rainfall while as Pahalgam recorded 1.0 mm, Kokernag recorded 0.2 mm of rainfall in between 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Authorities further added that there are possibilities of rains and thundershowers as also one or two spells of heavy rainfall in Jammu region in the next 24 hours.

“Metereological department had issued warnings of heavy rainfall over Amarnath cave shrine at around 10 AM due to which the pilgrimage remained suspended for few hours. But after the clouds shattered the pilgrimage was restored.” Met officials added.