Doda, Aug 26: In view of flood scare across Jammu and Kashmir, authorities in Doda on Tuesday appealed public to remain vigilant and avoid venturing near water bodies.

This was expressed by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Doda Harvinder Singh after conducting a visit to assess the situation along the Chenab River in view of continuing spell of heavy rains across the region.

During the inspection, the DC reviewed the water levels, possible threats of erosion and the overall impact of rains on adjoining habitations and infrastructure. He directed the concerned departments to maintain strict vigil and ensure round-the-clock monitoring of the river to prevent any untoward incidents.

The DC Doda emphasized preparedness, instructing officials to keep emergency response teams on alert, reinforce vulnerable embankments and issue timely advisories for the safety of residents living near riverbanks.

He appealed to the general public to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement near the river and strictly adhere to safety advisories issued by the district administration during the ongoing adverse weather conditions.

The District Administration Doda assured that all precautionary and restoration measures are being taken on priority to safeguard lives and property amidst the continuous rains.

Jammu, Aug 26: The Northern Railway has cancelled 18 trains to and from Katra, Udhampur and Jammu railway stations on Tuesday as relentless heavy rain wreaked havoc in the Jammu region, officials said.

The Jammu region has been experiencing its heaviest rainfall in decades since Monday night, which damaged bridges, disrupted road connectivity and inundated large tracts of land, forcing people to shift to safer areas.

The traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar and Kishtwar-Doda national highways was suspended, while dozens of hilly roads were blocked or damaged by landslides or flash floods, the officials said, adding the pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine was also suspended as a precautionary measure.

A railway official said, “Eighteen trains have been cancelled. Four trains have been subjected to short terminations. This has been done in view of the weather conditions prevailing in the region.”

Of the trains cancelled, seven are from Katra, the base camp of the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, two from Udhampur and one from Jammu, the officials said, adding that trains to Katra and Udhampur have also been cancelled.

Train services from Pathankot to Kandrori in Himachal Pradesh have also been suspended due to heavy soil erosion and flash floods on the Chakki river, according to railway officials.

Four trains were short-terminated at Firozpur, Manda and Chak Rakhwalan, they said, adding that movement of trains on the Katra-Srinagar stretch was continuing.

Jammu, Aug 26: The Directorate of School Education Jammu on Monday ordered closure of all Government and private schools across Jammu Division till Wednesday in view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions.

An order issued by Director School Education Jammu, stated, in view of the prevailing inclement weather conditions and the occurrence of flood-like situations at various places across the region, it is hereby ordered that all Government as well as Private Schools in the Jammu Division shall continue to remain closed on 27th August 2025 (Wednesday).

The decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students and staff. (KNC)

Doda, Aug 26: At least four people lost their lives and several properties were damaged in the last 24 hours in the Doda district due to heavy rains and adverse weather conditions, officials said on Tuesday.

A senior official said that two people were killed after their house collapsed, while two others died in flash floods triggered by continuous rainfall.

“There has been considerable damage to residential structures and other property in several areas. The district administration is on high alert, and rescue and relief operations are underway,” the official said.

Authorities have urged residents, especially those living in low-lying and hilly areas, to remain cautious as intermittent rainfall continues to lash. (KNO)