Rajouri Flash Floods Destroy 15 Transformers, Damage 200

A recent surge of flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district has severely damaged the local power infrastructure. The floods washed away 15 transformers and damaged approximately 200 others, causing widespread disruptions to electricity supply across the district.

According to the Power Development Department (PDD) authorities, the damage to the power grid has been extensive, with several electric poles either washed away or severely damaged.

Javed Akhtar, Executive Engineer of the Rajouri PDD, stated that power restoration work is currently underway on a war footing. Electricity has already been restored in several affected areas, while restoration work continues in the remaining locations.

Senior PDD officers, engineers, field staff, and labourers are working together around the clock to restore the damaged network. Due to the scale of destruction, additional manpower was deployed, and local residents are also assisting the department in the restoration efforts.

The flash floods in Rajouri were triggered by incessant heavy rainfall and cloudbursts in the PirPanjal region of Jammu and Kashmir. The floods caused severe waterlogging, landslides, and damage to infrastructure.

The operation to restore power remains challenging, but the PDD is committed to restoring power to all affected areas as quickly as possible. Earlier this week, continuous rainfall in Reasi and upper catchment areas triggered a surge in water inflow into the Salal reservoir, prompting authorities to open all gates of the dam to regulate the rising water level.

The increased inflow and release of water from the dam have caused the Chenab River to swell, with strong currents and elevated water levels being witnessed downstream. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are also conducting rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.

The situation in Rajouri remains critical, but the authorities are working tirelessly to restore normalcy to the region. The power restoration efforts are a top priority, and the PDD is working to ensure that electricity is restored to all affected areas as soon as possible.

The flash floods in Rajouri have highlighted the need for disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience in the region. The authorities must take steps to mitigate the impact of such disasters in the future and ensure that the power grid is more resilient to extreme weather events.

In the meantime, the people of Rajouri are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the floods. The restoration of power and other essential services is crucial to helping them recover from this disaster.

The situation in Rajouri is a reminder of the importance of disaster management and infrastructure resilience in the face of extreme weather events. It is essential that the authorities take steps to prepare for and respond to such disasters to minimize their impact on communities.