New Delhi, Aug 27: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unprecedented rainfall over the past 24 hours, with Udhampur recording 629.4 mm and Jammu 296 mm — the highest ever for both districts, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday.
The torrential downpour triggered widespread devastation, including landslides, road washouts, and flooding in low-lying areas. A massive landslide on the Vaishno Devi shrine route claimed 32 lives, while four more deaths were reported in Doda district due to rain-related incidents.
The new records shattered previous highs of 342 mm in Udhampur (July 2019) and 272.6 mm in Jammu (August 1973).
Rescue and relief operations are underway, with over 5,000 residents evacuated from flood-hit areas in Jammu and Samba. Essential services such as power, water supply, and internet remain disrupted, and educational institutions have been closed.
Though rainfall intensity eased on Wednesday, large parts of the Jammu division continue to remain on high alert.
