Bridge collapses, cars plunge into river; Jammu rattled by floods

SRINAGAR: A bridge has collapsed in Jammu, which is currently experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding. Several vehicles were swept away by the river after a portion of the fourth Tawi Bridge gave way. Officials said the collapse occurred due to the increased flow of water in the river.

By the time authorities reached the spot, the vehicles had already been carried away. Traffic movement in the area has been completely suspended. A flood alert has been issued for residents, and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has urged people living near riverbanks to move to safer locations. Emergency helplines have also been set up to deal with the crisis. The warning comes in the wake of recent massive cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kathua, which claimed dozens of lives.

Meanwhile, the Vaishno Devi Yatra in Jammu was suspended on Tuesday morning due to heavy rain and adverse weather conditions. Authorities have requested pilgrims to wait for further updates before planning their journey.

Mukhtar Ahmed, Director of the Meteorological Department, said that weather conditions in Jammu are expected to improve from Wednesday until August 30. However, the region is likely to receive moderate to heavy rainfall again after that. In contrast, the Kashmir Valley is not expected to receive rainfall until September 5, he added.