Incessant rainfall has led to a flood-like situation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, with the Dharhali and Saktoh rivers swelling significantly, prompting the closure of all government and private schools in the region as a precautionary measure.
District authorities said continuous downpours have caused widespread waterlogging and disrupted daily life in several low-lying areas. While no casualties or major damage have been reported so far, the situation is being closely monitored.
To address the waterlogging and improve infrastructure, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has intensified roadwork in the hilly Pir Panjal region, especially in key market areas like Kotranka, Samote, and Budhal.
“Wherever waterlogging is a problem, especially in markets, we are constructing concrete pavements,” said Sanjay Sharma, a BRO engineer. “Clogged drains were leading to road overflows. We’ve now covered those areas with concrete pavements and are repairing damaged patches to maintain road safety.”
In neighbouring Himachal Pradesh, the monsoon fury claimed two lives in Chamba district after a rain-triggered landslide caused a boulder to crash onto a house.
“The incident occurred late last night. A boulder hit a house, killing two people. Their bodies were recovered with help from the police and taken to Chamba Hospital. Immediate relief has been provided, and further assessment of the area is underway,” said Ashwani, a local Patwari.
As monsoon rains continue to batter northern India, authorities across affected regions remain on high alert to mitigate damage and ensure public safety.