Authorities have issued an urgent flood alert in parts of Jammu after the Ravi River overflowed due to heavy discharge from the Madhopur Barrage, surpassing 100,000 cusecs and continuing to rise. This has led to severe flooding in multiple low-lying villages, prompting warnings and heightened alertness across the region. Several villages, including Bagthali, Massos Pur, Keerian Gandial, Barni, Dhanna, Dhanore, Karyali, and adjacent areas have been inundated, with local administrations urging residents to take all necessary safety precautions and prepare for possible evacuation.
Rising river levels across Jammu region
Apart from the Ravi, other major rivers in the Jammu region are also rising rapidly:
Ujh River (Kathua District):
Panjtirthi: 78,750 cusecs (Danger Level: 88,000 cusecs)
Kathua: 83,834 cusecs (Danger Level: 95,099 cusecs)
Basanter River (Samba District):
Water level recorded at 4.5 ft, equal to its danger mark, with a rising trend.
Disaster response teams on standby
District administrations have placed disaster response and rescue teams on high alert, ready to assist with evacuations and emergency services. Citizens in the flood-prone zones have been strongly advised to remain indoors, stay updated through official channels, and avoid travel unless necessary.
North India braces for more rain
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and All India Weather have warned of a low-pressure system intensifying over Rajasthan, which is expected to impact several northern states over the next 72 hours, including:
Rajasthan
Punjab
Jammu & Kashmir
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Haryana
Delhi-NCR
Western Uttar Pradesh
“Next 72 hours are critical. Stay watchful,” All India Weather posted on X (formerly Twitter).
IMD issues heavy rainfall warnings and thunderstorm alerts
In its latest advisory, the IMD predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall for:
Jammu & Kashmir
Himachal Pradesh
Punjab
Delhi
Haryana
Ladakh
Chandigarh
Rajasthan
Gujarat
Convective cloud activity, signaling potential thunderstorms, has been observed over Jammu, Patiala, and Kufri.
Nowcast alerts issued
The IMD has issued district-wise nowcast warnings, including:
Red Alert (Heavy rain, lightning, thunderstorms):
Chamba, Kangra (Himachal Pradesh)
Ludhiana, Sangrur, Barnala, Mansa (Punjab)
Orange Alert:
Parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, West Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Konkan, Odisha
Northwest India: Rainfall to persist till August 26, tapering off afterward.
Gujarat: Heavy rain likely to continue till August 30.
Rajasthan: Heavy rainfall expected till August 27.
Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab: Very heavy rain likely on August 25 and 26.
IMD safety advisory
Stay indoors during heavy rainfall
Avoid weak structures and trees
Check traffic and road conditions before traveling
Limit non-essential movement
