Jammu, Jul 30 : A portion of a residential house collapsed following heavy rainfall in old Jammu on Wednesday, with the weather officer cautioning of flashfloods, landslides and mudslides due to torrential rains in the region between July 30 and August 2.
According to officials, the collapsed portion of the house was being used as a store. The incident took place at Malhotra Mohalla in the old city, after incessant rainfall apparently weakened the structure.
However, no casualties have been reported in the incident, they said, adding that the exact cause of the collapse is being ascertained.
The incident has renewed concerns over the safety of old and dilapidated buildings in the city’s congested areas during monsoon.
Residents have urged the district administration to conduct an immediate structural safety survey of old buildings in the city and take preventive measures to check such incident.
On the other hand, officials said a residential house and a school building were damaged due to land sinking caused by heavy rains in Jabbra-Surothi in Mendhar area of Poonch district.
According to the weather department, Jammu city recorded 52 mm rainfall in the 24 hours till Wednesday 5:30 pm.
Samba received the highest rainfall in the Jammu region at 87 mm, followed by Katra with 71.2 mm, and Udhampur with 65 mm.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a wet spell across the Jammu division until August 7, with possibility of heavy rain or brief spells of intense showers in few districts over the next five days.
“Torrential rain or brief intense heavy showers may trigger flash floods, landslides and mudslides at vulnerable locations between July 30 and August 2,” an IMD spokesperson said, advising people to remain alert and follow official weather advisories.
