Unusually heavy rainfall lashed Jammu division on Sunday, with Jammu city recording its highest precipitation for the month of August in the last 99 years — 190.4 mm in just 24 hours. This is the second-highest single-day rainfall in nearly a century, officials from the Meteorological Department confirmed.

The city's previous August record was 189.6 mm, logged on August 11, 2022. The all-time highest single-day rainfall in Jammu over the last 100 years remains 228.6 mm, recorded on August 5, 1926.

According to the Meteorological Department, Jammu city recorded 190.4 mm of rainfall till 8:30 am Sunday, followed by Jammu Airport with 166.0 mm, Chatha with 98.5 mm, and Bakore with 45.5 mm.

"This is the second-highest rainfall ever recorded in Jammu in August in almost a century. The increasing frequency of such heavy downpours indicates changing weather patterns in the region," officials said.

Flood-Like Situation Across Jammu Division

The heavy downpour triggered a flood-like situation in several parts of Jammu district. Water entered residential colonies, submerging low-lying areas and causing widespread disruption. Several colonies across the city were inundated, forcing people to move to safer places.

At the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM) in Jammu, hostels were submerged under water, with students and staff facing severe inconvenience.

A bridge on the Jammu - Pathankot National Highway suffered damage due to the gushing waters, impacting vehicular movement and adding to the chaos. Meanwhile, water channels across the region were reported to be flowing near the danger mark, prompting authorities to issue advisories.

Rainfall in Other Districts

Several other parts of the division also recorded heavy rainfall. Udhampur witnessed 144.2 mm of rain, followed by Katra with 115.4 mm, Samba 109.0 mm, and Kathua 90.2 mm. In the hilly districts, Banihal logged 31.9 mm, Batote 23.0 mm, Bhaderwah 20.4 mm, Ramban 32.0 mm, Kishtwar 21.0 mm, Rajouri 14.2 mm, and Reasi 43.0 mm.

Authorities have pressed disaster management teams and machinery into service to restore normalcy. People have been advised to stay away from swollen rivers and nallahs, as the water levels continue to rise dangerously due to incessant rain.