IMD Warns of Flash Floods as Civil Defence Deployed Across Jammu, Death Toll Rises to 17

Authorities on Monday deployed Civil Defence personnel at bridges, rivers, streams and other vulnerable water bodies across Jammu city to prevent people from venturing into flood-prone areas as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall and warned of flash floods, landslides and rising river levels across Jammu and Kashmir. The precautionary deployment comes as the rain-related death toll in the Union Territory has risen to at least 17, with rescue operations continuing in the worst-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri.

Civil Defence personnel have been stationed at key locations to monitor public movement, prevent gatherings near rivers and streams, and spread awareness about official weather advisories.

Deputy Chief Warden Vijay Magotra said the government had directed Civil Defence teams to educate residents and pilgrims about the dangers posed by rapidly rising water levels. "We have been instructed by the government to make people aware that the water level in rivers is rising significantly. We appeal to everyone, including Amarnath pilgrims and residents, not to go near rivers or streams where there is a possibility of sudden flooding so that no untoward incident takes place," he said.

Magotra added that people often visit rivers for bathing or recreation and urged them to leave such areas immediately in view of the prevailing weather conditions.

Civil Defence official Arvind Gupta said July 20 to July 24 would be particularly critical and appealed to the public to strictly follow government advisories and avoid rivers, streams and other water bodies.

The deployment follows devastating flash floods and landslides that initially killed 14 people and left many missing in Poonch and Rajouri before a fresh landslide in Poonch claimed seven more lives, taking the toll to at least 17. The Army, SDRF, police, civil administration and local volunteers are continuing search and rescue operations in the affected areas. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah returned to Jammu to monitor relief efforts, while Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the response. The Amarnath Yatra remains suspended from both routes as authorities prioritise pilgrim safety amid continuing adverse weather.