Devastating Monsoon Rains Cause Havoc in Jammu Village

In Trilla Village of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir, several houses lay in ruins after relentless monsoon rains devastated the area. Resident Sharda Devi recounted her loss as her family home crumbled under the deluge.

"Our house has completely collapsed," lamented Sharda Devi. "Where will we keep our children? Our belongings have also been affected." Her son, Pawan Kumar, appealed to the authorities for immediate shelter and support. "My house collapsed due to heavy rain. We urgently need government assistance and temporary accommodation," he told ANI. The village witnessed similar devastation at other houses.

In response to the downpour, officials have opened all spillway gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project in Ramban district. District authorities warned the public to avoid the riverbanks due to potential dangers posed by high water levels.

Varunjeet Singh Charak, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Ramban, stressed safety measures. "We have advised the public to stay away from the riverbanks," he said. Coordination was called for among law enforcement and disaster response teams to supervise the Chenab River's banks.

Local leaders were tasked with cautioning residents about the risks of venturing near the riverbanks. NHPC officials confirmed that ongoing rains have raised water levels, leading to the necessary opening of the Baglihar Dam's spillways.

In addition, the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued warnings about possible flash floods and landslides. The forecast expects unsettled weather through early August, with significant rain potential, particularly in Jammu Division's vulnerable areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)