Roaring Tawi River Floods Jammu, Displacing Thousands Amid Record Rainfall

The Tawi River has surged dramatically due to unprecedented rainfall, leading to significant flooding in Jammu. Over 6,000 residents have been displaced as homes and farmland are inundated. Emergency rescue operations are underway in the worst-hit areas.

The Tawi River, also known as Surya Putri, has caused alarm in Jammu. Swollen by unprecedented rainfall, it flooded homes and farmland, destroyed structures and livestock, and displaced over 6,000 people in a single day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Jammu received 296 mm of rain in 24 hours, surpassing the previous record of 272.6 mm set on August 9, 1973.

By Tuesday morning, the river transformed into a violent torrent, submerging low-lying areas like Peerkho, Gujjar Nagar, and Gurkha Nagar. Streets turned into rivers, sparking widespread rescue efforts amid panic in the city. "We have never seen Tawi in such a furious and devastating mood," said Shivanand, a priest at a nearby Shiv temple. "A calm river was roaring like a lion."

Impact on Local Communities

Peerkho was among the hardest hit areas, with vehicles buried under debris and uprooted trees. Over 300 people, including children and the elderly, were rescued in urgent operations. Despite the receding waters, fear persisted among residents. Sukhwinder Singh from Peerkho recounted his harrowing escape: "I came back from the jaws of death," he said. His family clung to their terrace as water rose around them.

As Singh's family waded through the floodwaters, they watched helplessly as their belongings were swept away. The fear was palpable among those living along the riverbanks even as the waters began to recede rapidly. Nearby in Gujjar Nagar, 65-year-old Anwar witnessed his life's savings wash away. "I have lived by Tawi all my life but never seen her so angry," he lamented.

Rescue Efforts and Losses

Officials reported that between 5,000 and 6,000 people were evacuated from 17 locations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police, and locals. For the first time, NDRF used boats in Jammu city for rescues. Karam Chand from Gajansoo expressed disbelief: "I have never seen Jammu underwater like this in my life." The floods affected everyone regardless of their status or age.

In Bahu Fort area, Amit stood near his collapsed home. "Our home collapsed before our eyes," he said with a trembling voice. His father's timely advice to leave saved their lives just before a landslide struck. However, they lost everything—home, memories, and shelter. Officials estimate that 2,000–3,000 houses and several businesses were submerged across various localities.

Historical Context and Future Challenges

The IMD noted that similar rainfall occurred nearly a century ago when 228.6 mm fell on August 5, 1926. At least 45 people have died due to floods and landslides in Doda and Katra regions. The Surya Putri has long been Jammu's lifeline but now leaves behind devastation as waters recede.

As residents begin rebuilding their lives amidst extensive livestock losses and property damage, they carry with them haunting memories of nature's fury unleashed by the river's wrath.

With inputs from PTI