SRINAGAR: Jammu on Wednesday recorded its heaviest rainfall in more than a century, with 380 mm pouring down in just 24 hours — the highest since records began in 1910. The figure is almost equal to the city’s entire August average of 403.1 mm.
The previous record stood at 270.4 mm, logged on September 25, 1988, followed by 218.4 mm on August 23, 1996.
The relentless downpour has left large parts of Jammu inundated, forcing the deployment of Army personnel for rescue operations. Thousands of people were evacuated from low-lying areas, with Doda district among the worst affected.
The rains triggered multiple landslides and road blockades across the Jammu region, leaving many stranded. Officials said the death toll in Tuesday’s massive landslide on the Vaishno Devi route in Reasi district rose to 32 on Wednesday, while at least 20 others were injured. The pilgrimage to the shrine was suspended after boulders came crashing down around 3 pm, sending pilgrims running for cover.
In Jammu city, a bridge over the swollen Tawi river was badly damaged, underscoring the scale of the destruction. Authorities warned that the situation remained critical as rains continued for the fourth consecutive day. -(KL)
