JAMMU, August 23, 2026: Heavy rainfall lashed Jammu and adjoining areas on Sunday, disrupting normal life, causing widespread waterlogging and affecting traffic movement across several parts of the city. An old and abandoned house collapsed at Shaheedi Chowk in the heart of Jammu’s Old City at around 7:30 am amid heavy rain. No casualties were reported, although household items were damaged.
According to officials, the collapsed house belonged to Rajni Salotra, who had shifted with her family to rented accommodation a few months ago after cracks developed in the old structure. Residents said the densely populated lane normally witnesses considerable pedestrian movement, but heavy rain had kept most people indoors when the structure gave way, preventing a potentially serious tragedy.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of ageing and abandoned buildings in Jammu’s Old City. Local residents have urged the authorities to conduct an immediate survey of structurally weak houses and take preventive measures, including repairs or securing buildings that pose a danger during the monsoon season.
Heavy rain also resulted in extensive waterlogging in several localities, including Muthi, Paloura, Talab Tillo, Bhagwati Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Canal Road, Shastri Nagar and Nanak Nagar. In some areas, rainwater entered houses and shops, while commuters faced difficulties because of flooded roads and disrupted traffic.
Severe waterlogging was reported on the Jammu-Poonch National Highway near Bhagwati Nagar, the Jammu-RS Pura road near Kulliyan and other major routes. Traffic on the Jammu-Kishtwar National Highway was also affected after a mudslide blocked the road at Ragi Nallah. Flash-flood reports were received from parts of Doda as well.
Jammu recorded 66 mm of rainfall in the 24 hours ending at 8:30 am on Sunday, the highest rainfall recorded in Jammu and Kashmir during that period. Udhampur received 56 mm, Poonch 45 mm, Kokernag 42 mm and Qazigund 32.6 mm.
The Jammu Municipal Corporation deployed men, machinery and Quick Response Teams to tackle waterlogging in affected areas. Officials said teams cleared several blockages and restored normal conditions at locations where construction material and blocked drains had contributed to water accumulation.
Meanwhile, the weather office has forecast generally hot and humid conditions from August 24 to 28, with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at scattered places, particularly during the early morning and afternoon. From August 29 to 31, light to moderate rain or thundershowers are expected at scattered to many places. Authorities have cautioned that intense localised showers could trigger flash floods, mudslides and landslides.
The latest spell of rain has once again highlighted Jammu’s recurring waterlogging and infrastructure concerns, with residents calling for improved drainage systems and urgent action to identify unsafe structures before further rainfall causes more damage.
