Doda, September 4, 2025- In a relentless display of nature’s fury, heavy rainfall has pounded the picturesque Bhaderwah region in Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), for the third consecutive day, leading to widespread disruptions and flood-like conditions. The incessant downpours, which began intensifying on September 2, have swollen local nallahs (streams) and rivers, prompting authorities to issue urgent alerts and close key roads, including the vital Bhaderwah-Chamba interstate route.The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) has escalated its warnings, issuing a red alert for “heavy rain” across Doda district today, alongside neighbouring areas such as Rajouri, Reasi, Jammu, Udhampur, Ramban, and Kishtwar.
An orange alert for heavy rainfall has been declared for Samba, Kathua, Budgam, Shopian, Kulgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, and Ganderbal, while yellow alerts cover Anantnag, Srinagar, and Kupwara. These alerts underscore the risk of flash floods, landslides, cloudbursts, and mudslides in vulnerable hilly terrains.Local officials, including Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutyal, have urged residents to remain indoors and avoid travel near water bodies unless absolutely necessary. “Even in Bhaderwah, there has been heavy rainfall since morning. The water level has started rising in the nallahs… Interstate roads, especially the Bhaderwah-Chamba road, have been closed. No vehicle is moving to and fro between Chamba and Bhaderwah. We have conveyed this to the Chamba Administration… All our teams are on alert,” Bhutyal told reporters.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that “heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy rainfall (>=21 cm) was recorded at isolated places over Jammu-Kashmir” until 8:30 AM on September 3. Bhaderwah itself recorded significant precipitation, with 96.2 mm on September 2-3, contributing to the cumulative impact. The IMD forecasts isolated heavy rainfall to persist in J&K until September 9, with very heavy showers likely in Jammu-Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh on September 3, and in East Rajasthan during September 3-5.This ongoing spell of monsoon fury has exacerbated challenges across J&K, where rivers like the Jhelum, Tawi, and Chenab are in full spate. In Srinagar, the Jhelum River’s water level continues to rise, while low-lying areas in districts like Kulgam and Akhnoor face inundation.
Educational institutions in affected regions, including Jammu and Kashmir Valley schools, remain closed for the fourth consecutive day as a precautionary measure. Over 2,500 people have been evacuated to relief camps in various districts, with the Indian Army, Border Security Force (BSF), and local police conducting rescue operations.The broader impact of the heavy rains in J&K includes damaged infrastructure, with major highways like the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) and Mughal Road blocked by landslides and shooting stones. In Doda alone, previous rains from late August have already destroyed 60-70 houses, severely damaged 150 others, and partially affected 350-400 more, alongside disruptions to roads, schools, power, and water supply. Restoration efforts are underway, but officials warn that full recovery could take time due to the scale of damage.Residents in Bhaderwah and surrounding areas have expressed concerns over rising water levels and potential isolation.
“The rains show no sign of stopping, and we’re cut off from essential supplies,” said a local shopkeeper, highlighting the strain on daily life. Authorities have assured that relief measures, including food distribution and medical aid, are in place, with teams monitoring vulnerable spots 24/7.As the rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir persists, the focus remains on minimizing risks and aiding affected communities. The IMD advises staying updated via official channels and avoiding landslide-prone areas. With forecasts indicating more showers ahead, J&K’s administration is bracing for prolonged challenges in this rain-soaked season.
