Jammu: An abandoned house collapsed at Shaheedi Chowk here on Sunday as heavy rains lashed Jammu and adjoining areas, disrupting normal life and causing waterlogging in several parts of the city, officials said.
The collapsed house at Shaheedi Chowk in the heart of the city belonged to Rajni Salotra, who, along with her family, had shifted to rented accommodation a few months ago after cracks began developing in the old structure.
The officials said the structure collapsed around 7.30 am amid heavy rains, damaging household items.
Residents said the incident could have resulted in casualties, as the lane is densely populated and witnesses regular movement of people. However, there was little to no movement at the time of the incident, as residents were indoors due to heavy rains.
They urged the authorities to immediately identify old, abandoned and structurally unsafe houses across the old city and take preventive measures before such structures collapse and cause loss of life.
“Such properties, including those under custodial ownership, need to be properly surveyed and assessed. Houses requiring urgent repairs should be repaired or otherwise secured to prevent accidents, particularly during the monsoon season,” Sanjay Kumar, a local resident said, expressing concern over the recurring collapse of old houses in the city during the monsoon every year.
Several parts of Jammu, including Tallab Tillo, Bagwati Nagar, Krishna Nagar and Canal Road, witnessed extensive waterlogging following the rainfall, with rainwater entering houses and shops.
The residents expressed deep frustration over frequent flooding, saying that even relatively light rainfall can lead to water accumulation.
They urged the government to take the issue of waterlogging seriously and undertake a comprehensive assessment of drainage systems in flood-prone areas, particularly where rainwater repeatedly enters homes and shops, and take immediate measures to improve drainage and prevent such incidents during heavy rainfall.
The widespread waterlogging disrupted traffic movement at several points across the city, causing inconvenience to commuters and residents.
Severe waterlogging was reported on the Jammu-Poonch National Highway near Bhagwati Nagar, the Jammu-RS Pura road near Kulliyan and Bajalta Road.
Traffic on the Jammu-Kishtwar National Highway was suspended after a mudslide triggered by heavy rains blocked the road at Ragi Nallah. Restoration work was underway to clear the affected stretch.
Reports of flash floods were also received from the Thathri area of Doda district, though there were no reports of any damage, officials said.
Jammu city recorded the highest rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir during the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Sunday, receiving 66 mm, followed by Udhampur (56 mm), Poonch (45 mm), Kokernag (42 mm) and Qazigund (32.6 mm).
The local Meteorological Centre has forecast generally cloudy weather on Sunday, with light to moderate rain or thundershowers at many places.
From August 24 to 28, the weather is expected to remain generally hot and humid, with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at scattered places, mainly during early morning and afternoon hours, a spokesperson of the department said.
From August 29 to 31, he said light to moderate rain or thundershowers are likely at scattered to many places, with brief intense showers mainly in the Jammu division during early morning and afternoon hours.
The weather office has cautioned that intense localised showers may trigger flash floods, mudslides and landslides.
