Jammu, August 27, 2025 —
Jammu has witnessed one of the worst natural disasters in more than a century, with torrential rainfall measuring 380 mm in just 24 hours, the highest since records began in 1910. The downpour, which battered the region for two consecutive days, unleashed floods, landslides, and large-scale devastation across several districts, leaving at least 36 people dead and thousands displaced.

The rains, which began on Monday evening, intensified by Tuesday, overwhelming rivers and washing away entire stretches of residential colonies in low-lying areas. The Tawi River, flowing through the heart of Jammu city, swelled dangerously before beginning to recede on Wednesday morning. However, the Chenab River continues to flow at a critical level, posing a sustained threat to villages along its banks.

Landslides Along Vaishno Devi Route

The most tragic incident occurred on the pilgrimage route to the Vaishno Devi shrine near Katra, where a massive landslide struck around 3 p.m. on Tuesday. Tons of mud, rocks, and debris cascaded down the mountainside, burying sections of the 12-kilometre trek path. At least 32 people lost their lives, and many others were injured or reported missing. The pilgrimage has since been suspended until conditions improve.

Rescue personnel have been working round-the-clock to clear the debris and assist stranded devotees. Helicopters have been pressed into service to airlift the critically injured, while ground teams continue search and recovery operations in the treacherous terrain.

Rescue and Relief Efforts

In the wake of the disaster, the army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and state relief agencies have mobilized large-scale operations. Over 5,000 residents from flood-affected localities in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur have been evacuated to safer shelters. Relief camps have been established with essential supplies including food, water, and medical aid.

Authorities have ordered the closure of schools, colleges, universities, and government offices across Jammu and in several districts of the Kashmir Valley, including Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag. Train services between Jammu and Pathankot, which were suspended due to waterlogging and damage to tracks, resumed cautiously on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, communication services are slowly being restored. Mobile internet, calling, and fibre networks are back on the G2 level in Jammu and Kashmir. Private operators like Jio and Airtel have restored partial connectivity, while BSNL has advised its subscribers to switch to G2 networks to access basic services.

Scale of Damage

Infrastructure has taken a severe hit. In a major blow, the fourth bridge over the Tawi River collapsed under the pressure of the gushing waters, cutting off vital road connectivity. Several stretches of highways and local roads remain blocked due to mudslides, further hampering rescue and relief efforts.

The Meteorological Department has indicated that while the overall intensity of the storm is decreasing, light to moderate thunderstorms are likely to persist in isolated areas over the next 24 hours. Localized intense spells may continue in Jammu plains, particularly in Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, and Rajouri-Reasi.

Looking Ahead

The disaster has once again highlighted Jammu’s vulnerability to extreme weather events. With climate variability intensifying rainfall patterns in the Himalayan region, officials have stressed the urgent need for robust flood management systems, stronger infrastructure, and improved early warning mechanisms to minimize future losses.

As the waters slowly recede, the focus now shifts from immediate rescue to rehabilitation. Thousands of affected families face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives amid the wreckage left behind by the heaviest rainfall in Jammu in over a century.
Jammu’s Heaviest Rainfall in a Century

Jammu has been hit by the highest rainfall since 1910 — 380 mm in just 24 hours. The downpour triggered devastating floods and landslides, claiming over 36 lives and leaving thousands displaced. Entire neighborhoods were washed away, the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage was suspended, and key bridges collapsed under the force of raging rivers. Yet, amid the devastation, rescue teams are working tirelessly, evacuating over 5,000 people to safety. Sending prayers and strength to all affected.