Heavy rainfall paralyzes life across twin districts; landslides, wall collapses, roadblocks, and emergency health alert issued
Diplomat Correspondent
Poonch/Rajouri,(DD):Incessant rainfall across Rajouri and Poonch districts late Monday night and into Tuesday morning caused widespread disruption, prompting school closures, structural collapses, blocked roads, and an emergency response from health and disaster management agencies.
Flood-like conditions were reported in several parts of Mendhar, where rising water levels in rivers and streams have raised serious safety concerns. Similar swelling was observed in water bodies at various locations in both Rajouri and Poonch.
Amid the weather emergency, the Chief Education Officer of Poonch ordered the closure of all government and private schools across the district for the day to ensure the safety of students and staff.
In Rajouri’s Koteranka subdivision, a residential house collapsed in Panchayat Ghohrot (Ward No. 9) after days of rainfall weakened its structure. Fortunately, the family had vacated the home earlier due to visible wall cracks, avoiding injuries. Locals have appealed to authorities for immediate compensation and temporary shelter arrangements.
In Rajouri town, a boundary wall of an Army camp near the main bus stand gave way due to soil erosion from the downpour. Debris crashed onto two parked vehicles, damaging them heavily. While no one was injured, the incident triggered panic in the crowded market area nearby.
Meanwhile, the backside road near the ALG ground in Rajouri town was rendered impassable after multiple trees and electric poles collapsed, cutting off electricity and endangering commuters. Power lines remain scattered across the road as efforts continue to clear the route.
A major landslide in Poonch’s Kalai area led to the complete blockage of the Jammu–Poonch National Highway, stranding vehicles on both sides. Road clearance operations have begun, with heavy machinery and work crews deployed to restore traffic as soon as possible.
Responding to the developing crisis, the Chief Medical Officer of Poonch issued a district-wide health alert, directing all health institutions to remain functional 24×7. Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres were instructed to maintain full staff attendance, with leaves cancelled for the duration of the emergency.
Medical officials in Mendhar, Surankote, and Mandi have also been ordered to ensure round-the-clock availability of medical and paramedical personnel. Ambulances across the district are on high alert, and any staff negligence will be met with disciplinary action, according to the official directive.
Residents have been strongly advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly near rivers, hillsides, and vulnerable structures. Restoration teams, health workers, and disaster response units remain active in the affected regions as the situation continues to evolve.(DD)