Bridge Partially Washed Away in Poonch District Due to Heavy Rains

A bridge in Poonch district was partially washed away by heavy rains, prompting suspension of traffic. Repair work is underway to complete before the Chhadi Yatra festival. Local officials have advised using an alternate route. Rainfall data show significant precipitation across the Jammu region.

A bridge connecting Mandi tehsil with the National Highway was partially washed away by heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, forcing authorities to suspend traffic, officials said on Sunday.

Repair work on the damaged segment of the Drungali Nala bridge has commenced, with a target to complete the repairs before the upcoming Chhadi Yatra festival, said Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik.

Malik, accompanied by Officer-in-charge GREF M K Sharma, assessed the situation on-site, emphasizing the significance of the Chhadi Yatra festival and the need to restore the bridge to facilitate the movement of devotees.

The ADC has urged the public to avoid using the bridge until repairs are completed. "As long as the bridge is being repaired, everyone should use the adjacent Bandichechian bridge," he stated.

Heavy rains hit several areas of the Jammu region overnight, causing water levels in various bodies to rise. The Meteorological Department reported rainfall measurements: Kathua at 77 mm, Jammu at 71 mm, and Samba at 59.6 mm within the last 24 hours, ending 5:30 p.m. Katra also received 51 mm of rain during the same period.

Forecasts from the Meteorological Department indicate wet weather across Jammu and Kashmir until August 18, with brief intense showers and the potential for flash floods or landslides in vulnerable zones. Additionally, an increase in rainfall in the Jammu division is expected starting August 14.