Water levels begin to recede as J&K battles flood impact

Water levels began receding in most rivers of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday (August 28, 2025), bringing relief to hundreds affected by the heavy rain, flash floods, and landslips over the past several days in the Union Territory.

“We are out of danger for now. Waters have started receding in (rivers) of the Jammu and Kashmir divisions. They recede faster in Jammu and take some time in Kashmir. I have directed (officials) to ensure smooth transportation, restoration of electricity, mobile toilets and medical camps in all affected areas,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said.

However, he hinted that slipshod measures were aggravating the flood situation in J&K despite the special initiatives that were launched after the devastating floods of 2014 that inflicted unprecedented damage to private and public infrastructure in the Union Territory.

“Had the rainfall continued for a day or more, we would have faced immense difficulties. I will have to sit with the officers and understand what we have done after 2014. It was after six to seven days of rains that floods hit Kashmir. This time, just two days of rain brought Kashmir to the brink of floods,” Mr. Abdullah said.

He said the government needs to take corrective measures to end the perpetual fear of floods in the Kashmir Valley. “Where was the money spent? How much carrying capacity of the flood channels was increased? How much did we succeed by undertaking dredging in the Jhelum?” Mr. Abdullah said.

Also read: J&K death toll rises to 41; large tracts of land in north inundated

Meanwhile, the flash floods and landslips that left over 40 civilians dead in the past few days in J&K continued to disrupt normal life. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remained closed for traffic due to multiple landslips, officials said.

The Jal Shakti Department grappled to fully restore water supply in Jammu, which was badly hit by flash floods in the Tawi river. “Water supply in some areas is likely to remain disrupted till the restoration work is completed,” said Mohammad Hanief, Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti, Jammu.

The J&K government was yet to assess the extent of damage inflicted on public structures in the past few days. Hundreds of houses were affected by flood waters and landslips in the Jammu Division districts like Kishtwar, Doda, Jammu, Reasi and Kathua.

“The government should direct the insurance companies to compensate for losses suffered by the people of Jammu and also of Kashmir due to recent floods and landslides,” said Arun Gupta, president of the Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Meanwhile, officials said due to continuous heavy rainfall and unsafe conditions, all schools across the Jammu division will remain closed till August 30.

In the Chenab Valley, the administration stepped up measures to restore electricity, Internet, and communication services in Doda district. 

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader and MLA Kulgam M.Y. Tarigami said the floods have wreaked havoc on bridges, roads, and infrastructure, and agriculture, and left thousands of residents in distress.

“The horticulture and agriculture sectors have suffered massive losses both in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Jammu, south Kashmir and Warwan areas. The catastrophe should serve as a wake-up call. The government should declare the natural calamities as a national disaster,” Mr. Tarigami said.