Flood Fury in Jammu: Bridge on Tawi River Collapses, Vehicles Stuck
On August 26, 2025, Jammu and Kashmir faced unprecedented devastation as relentless heavy rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides across the region, culminating in the dramatic collapse of a portion of the Fourth Tawi Bridge near Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu. The swollen Tawi River, pushed beyond its danger mark, washed away critical infrastructure, leaving vehicles stranded and plunging the region into chaos. This blog explores the catastrophic event, its impacts, and the ongoing response to one of the worst flooding crises in Jammu’s recent history.
The Catastrophe Unfolds
For three consecutive days, Jammu and Kashmir endured torrential rainfall, with Jammu recording 190.4 mm of rainfall in 24 hours—the second-highest August rainfall in over a century, surpassed only by the 228.6 mm recorded in 1926. The Tawi River, a lifeline of the region, swelled dangerously, reaching 24.97 feet by 9:15 AM on August 26, well above its 20-foot danger mark and 23.4-foot evacuation level. The relentless downpour overwhelmed the Fourth Tawi Bridge, one of five critical crossings over the river, causing a section of the bridge and its approach road to cave in. Videos captured by news agencies like ANI and PTI showed the terrifying moment of collapse, with vehicles trapped in the debris and panicked voices urging drivers to escape as the raging river surged below.
The bridge collapse halted all traffic, stranding approximately four vehicles, though rescue teams successfully evacuated all occupants without casualties. The incident sent shockwaves through the city, with authorities sealing off the bridge and issuing urgent warnings to avoid riverbanks and low-lying areas.
A Region Under Siege
The flooding crisis extended far beyond the Tawi Bridge collapse. The Jammu region, battered by its heaviest rainfall in decades, saw widespread disruption:
- Infrastructure Damage: The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was temporarily suspended due to safety concerns, and the Jammu-Pathankot Highway saw a bridge collapse in Kathua district. Landslides blocked the Mughal Road and Sinthan Road, isolating key regions. Power outages plagued Jammu city as floodwaters inundated substations.
- Loss of Life and Property: In Doda district, a cloudburst claimed at least three lives, with a girl killed in a house collapse. The Neeru River in Bhaderwah crossed the danger mark, submerging low-lying areas. In Kathua, earlier cloudbursts and flash floods killed dozens, with rescue operations ongoing.
- Disrupted Pilgrimages: The Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra was suspended due to heavy rainfall and a landslide in the Ardhkuwari area, with authorities urging pilgrims to await further updates.
- Rescue Efforts: Locals heroically rescued nearly 20 buffaloes from drowning in the Tawi River, while the Indian Army, SDRF, NDRF, and Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted large-scale rescue operations across affected areas, including Kishtwar, where a cloudburst killed over 60 people.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the situation as “quite serious,” instructing the administration to remain on high alert. Deputy Inspector General of Police Shiv Kumar Sharma issued a flood alert, urging residents to avoid rivers and streams. Emergency helplines (0191-2520542, 0191-2571616) were activated to assist those in distress.
Environmental and Structural Vulnerabilities
The collapse of the Fourth Tawi Bridge highlights ongoing concerns about infrastructure resilience in Jammu. The Tawi River has a history of flooding, with devastating events in 2014 and 2016 eroding embankments and damaging bridges. The under-construction Tawi Barrage and Riverfront Development (RFD) projects have been criticized for exacerbating flood risks by narrowing riverbanks with concrete walls, potentially intensifying flood currents and threatening bridge stability. Navjeev Digra of the Climate Front Foundation warned that these projects could turn into “imminent flood danger” during extreme rainfall, a prophecy that appears to have come true with the recent collapse.
The region’s vulnerability to climate-driven extreme weather, including cloudbursts and flash floods, has been exacerbated by unplanned construction on geologically unstable land. The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar warned of continued heavy rainfall until August 27, with risks of further cloudbursts and landslides, underscoring the need for robust disaster preparedness.
Response and Recovery
The administration has mobilized extensive resources to address the crisis:
- Immediate Actions: Jammu Municipal Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav ordered restoration work on a war footing, with engineering, transport, and sanitation teams deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity. Traffic on the Jammu-Pathankot Highway was rerouted through alternate paths.
- Relief Operations: Families in low-lying areas near the Tawi, Ravi, Ujh, and Basantar rivers were evacuated to safer locations, with many sheltered in community halls. The Indian Army and Border Roads Organisation (BRO) are constructing temporary bridges to restore connectivity in flood-hit areas.
- Weather Forecast: Mukhtar Ahmad, In-charge Director of the Meteorological Department, offered a glimmer of hope, predicting clear weather in Jammu from August 27 to August 30, though moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to resume thereafter.
Looking Ahead
The collapse of the Fourth Tawi Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of infrastructure in the face of climate change and extreme weather. As Jammu reels from this disaster, questions arise about the adequacy of flood mitigation measures and the sustainability of projects like the Tawi Barrage. The region’s history of flooding, coupled with warnings from environmentalists, demands a reevaluation of urban planning and disaster preparedness.
For now, the focus remains on rescue and recovery. The resilience of Jammu’s residents, coupled with coordinated efforts from the administration and security forces, offers hope amid the chaos. However, as the Tawi River continues to rage, the region braces for further challenges, with authorities urging vigilance and caution.
Sources:
- India Today, August 26, 2025
- Times Now, August 26, 2025
- Hindustan Times, August 26, 2025
- The Hindu, June 25, 2025
- SANDRP, May 11, 2024
- News18, August 26, 2025
- The Tribune, August 25, 2025
- The Week, August 26, 2025
- Free Press Journal, August 26, 2025
- Greater Kashmir, August 26, 2025
- The News Mill, August 26, 2025
- Posts on X, August 14-26, 2025
