Jammu, Aug 23: Heavy rains lashed Jammu and adjoining areas on Sunday, disrupting normal life, causing widespread waterlogging and leading to the collapse of an abandoned house in the heart of the city, officials said.
The old house at Shaheedi Chowk collapsed around 7.30 am amid heavy rainfall. The property belonged to Rajni Salotra, who had shifted to rented accommodation with her family a few months ago after cracks appeared in the structure.
The collapse damaged household belongings but no casualties were reported. Residents said the incident could have caused loss of life as the area is densely populated and normally witnesses considerable movement. However, there was little activity at the time due to the heavy rain.
Residents urged authorities to identify and survey old, abandoned and structurally unsafe buildings across the old city and take preventive measures to avoid accidents during the monsoon.
“Such properties, including those under custodial ownership, need to be properly surveyed and assessed. Houses requiring urgent repairs should be repaired or otherwise secured to prevent accidents, particularly during the monsoon season,” local resident Sanjay Kumar said.
Several areas, including Tallab Tillo, Bhagwati Nagar, Krishna Nagar and Canal Road, witnessed extensive waterlogging, with rainwater entering houses and shops.
Residents expressed concern over recurring flooding and urged the authorities to undertake a comprehensive assessment of drainage systems in areas prone to waterlogging.
The heavy rainfall also disrupted traffic movement at several locations. Waterlogging was reported along the Jammu-Poonch National Highway near Bhagwati Nagar, the Jammu-RS Pura road near Kulliyan and Bajalta Road.
Traffic on the Jammu-Kishtwar National Highway was suspended after a mudslide triggered by heavy rain blocked the road at Ragi Nallah. Restoration work was underway to clear the affected stretch.
Flash floods were also reported from the Thathri area of Doda district, though no damage was reported, officials said.
Jammu recorded the highest rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir during the 24 hours ending at 8.30 am on Sunday, receiving 66 mm. Udhampur recorded 56 mm, Poonch 45 mm, Kokernag 42 mm and Qazigund 32.6 mm.
The Meteorological Centre has forecast generally cloudy weather on Sunday, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places.
From August 24 to 28, weather is expected to remain generally hot and humid, with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at scattered places, mainly during the early morning and afternoon.
From August 29 to 31, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at scattered to many places, with brief intense showers expected mainly in the Jammu division during the morning and afternoon hours.
The weather department has cautioned that intense localised rainfall could trigger flash floods, mudslides and landslides in vulnerable areas.
