Jammu is grappling with the aftermath of unprecedented rainfall that triggered flash floods, leaving residential areas inundated, roads damaged, and water supply disrupted. The city recorded a staggering 185.6 mm of rainfall on Sunday, a figure that dwarfs the previous October record of 160 mm set in 1955. This deluge has submerged over two dozen localities, with landslides and mudflows blocking key routes and drainage systems.
Residents in low-lying areas have been engaged in a strenuous two-day effort to clear thick layers of mud, slush, and debris from their homes. They express frustration over what they describe as inadequate drainage facilities, clogged drains, and damaged embankments, which they claim have repeatedly led to such flooding despite official assurances. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the situation has left many families facing significant financial and emotional distress.
In Jammu‘s Dream City locality, Sunita Devi and her family have been working tirelessly to salvage their home. Floodwaters from a nearby drain inundated their residence, causing extensive damage to appliances like refrigerators, as well as sofas, beds, and other household items. “We have been cleaning our house for the past two days. Almost all household items have been damaged due to mud and slush,” Sunita recounted. She further detailed their struggle to obtain assistance, stating that calls to the police were unhelpful, with authorities directing them to other emergency services. “Everyone we called directed us elsewhere. Who are we supposed to turn to in such a situation?” she questioned.
Her sister, Nirmala, pointed to the neglected state of the adjoining drain, alleging it had not been cleaned since the previous year and that its retaining wall had collapsed, allowing mud and debris to flood the locality. “The government collects taxes from us, but where does the money go? Will the authorities wake up only after someone loses their life?” Nirmala demanded. She highlighted the financial burden on families, noting that they had already incurred substantial repair costs this year and would now face further expenses to make their homes habitable again. Nirmala also expressed disappointment that despite a similar situation last year, no significant improvements have been made, and claimed that a local MLA visited but left without a thorough inspection. Residents, she added, are forced to hire laborers at their own expense to clear drains to ensure stormwater can flow freely.
A similar ordeal is being faced by Bharati and his son Ishu in Jawahar Nagar. Floodwaters from a nearby stream submerged the first floor of their house, resulting in damage to goods worth lakhs of rupees. “The floods have become an annual feature. Despite assurances by the MLA and Jammu Municipal Corporation, nothing has been done to raise the embankment. Surveys have been conducted, but there has been little progress on the ground,” Bharati stated. He expressed concern that the recurring floods are weakening the foundation of his house and called for urgent strengthening of drainage channels and embankments to protect residents living near water bodies.
Significant waterlogging has been reported across numerous localities, including Tawi, Roop Nagar, Upper Roop Nagar, Amit Nagar, Gumpal, Pukhoo, Bantalab, Talab Tillo, Rajinder Nagar, Pirkho, Hazuri Nagar, Colonel Colony, Bhawani Nagar, Nai Basti, Dream City, Gorkha Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, Udhaywala, Muthi, and Lower Roop Nagar. In Amit Nagar, Roopnagar, and Muthi, flash floods reportedly swept away vehicles, while damaged roads and waterlogged lanes severely hampered movement. Residents attribute the exacerbated situation to incomplete drainage works and insufficient stormwater channels, which have allowed floodwaters to enter their homes. They are urging the administration to expedite pending drainage projects, reinforce vulnerable embankments, and repair damaged roads.
The recent flooding has also reignited concerns regarding the lack of durable repairs following the devastating rainfall of August 26, 2025. Residents lament that damaged roads, unfinished drainage systems, and superficial repair efforts have consistently led to persistent problems during periods of heavy rainfall. Preliminary assessments by the administration and relevant agencies indicate damages exceeding Rs 10 crore to roads, lanes, and other infrastructure within the city, with the possibility of this figure increasing after a comprehensive evaluation. Several roads have developed potholes or suffered erosion, and water supply pipelines and electricity infrastructure have also been impacted in some areas, according to officials.
The Public Works Department is expected to conduct damage assessments and formulate repair proposals. Concurrently, municipal teams have commenced the removal of accumulated silt and debris from the affected localities. The Jammu Municipal Corporation has initiated a cleaning drive, deploying personnel from its health, sanitation, and transport departments to clear drains, lanes, and roads in affected areas such as Nank Nagar, Jeevan Nagar, Digiana, Talab Tillo, Bantalab Nagar, and Muthi. These municipal teams are utilizing heavy machinery to clear the accumulated mud and debris.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.