People prepare a makeshift barricade to stop the breach of the Jhelum River after a flood alert was issued, in Srinagar, India, Wednesday. At least 36 people have died in landslides and flash floods in the region. Photo by Farooq Khan/EPA
Record-breaking heavy rains have caused flash floods and landslides in Kashmir and Jammu, in northern India, killing at least 36 people.
Most of the victims were pilgrims on their way to Hindu temple Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir.
Though the water levels in rivers have fallen, the damage to the area is devastating. Entire residential areas in Peerkho and Nikki Tawi were washed away.
From Tuesday morning to Wednesday morning, Jammu recorded 11.7 inches of rain, which broke the record set in 1973 of 10.9 inches. The rain, a total of more than 15 inches, according to India’s Meteorological Department, was too much for rivers and drains, causing damaged bridges and burst river banks.
Jammu is south of the Kashmir Valley, which is disputed between India and Pakistan. It is mountainous and prone to natural disasters.
More than 3,500 residents were evacuated from low-lying areas in Jammu, The New York Times reported. And more than 5,000 were evacuated from the entire area. The Indian Army, the National Disaster Response Force and local police had helped with evacuations.
Authorities closed government offices and schools. Landslides destroyed a section of two highways that connect Jammu to the rest of India. Flights are delayed and mobile and Internet services are out. Many in the region can’t contact others outside the region.
Train service was suspended, but officials announced Wednesday that service has been restored.
“Six trains, which were either canceled or short-terminated, will leave for their destinations today,” a railway official said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness over the deaths.
“The loss of lives due to a landslide on the route to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is saddening. My thoughts are with the bereaved families. May the injured recover at the earliest. The administration is assisting all those affected. My prayers for everyone’s safety and well-being,” Modi wrote on X.
Rain is still falling in the region, but with less intensity. Rescue agencies are trying to reach stranded people in Jammu and Samba.
Workers in the area are trying to restore water, electricity and the internet.
