IMD issues flash flood alert in north India as heavy rains lash Uttarakhand, J&K, Ladakh, Himachal

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday issued a flash flood warning for parts of Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and Himachal Pradesh amid continuous heavy rainfall.

High-risk districts under alert

• Uttarakhand: Almora, Bageshwar, Chamoli, Dehradun, Pauri, Pithoragarh, Rudraprayag, Tehri, Uttarkashi

• J&K & Ladakh: Anantnag, Doda, Kathua, Kishtwar, Kulgam, Poonch, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur

• Himachal Pradesh: Chamba, Kangra, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur

Flood alert in Jammu

In Jammu, rising water levels in rivers, including the Chenab, have triggered a flood warning after heavy discharge from the BHEP reservoir. Officials have urged the public to stay away from riverbanks and nallas.

Schools across Jammu & Kashmir remained closed on Tuesday, with the local weather office forecasting moderate to heavy rain on September 2 and 3 across most of the Jammu division.

The Met office has also warned of very heavy rainfall in Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, and Reasi, and moderate to heavy rain in Doda, Samba, Rajouri, Poonch, Ramban, Kishtwar, Anantnag, and Kulgam late September 2 to September 3.

Damage and casualties

• Heavy rain has triggered land subsidence in Samba district, forcing evacuations as homes and roads near Jamoda village developed cracks.

• Since August 14, over 130 people have died and 33 remain missing due to cloudbursts, landslides, and flash floods across Kishtwar, Kathua, Reasi, and Ramban.

• On August 26, a landslide killed 34 pilgrims en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

• Record rainfall on August 26–27 caused severe flash floods in low-lying parts of Jammu and nearby plains, damaging both public and private property.

👉 Authorities have appealed to residents to remain alert, avoid risky areas, and follow official advisories closely.

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