Jammu, 23 August (H.S.): An abandoned house collapsed at Shaheedi Chowk here on Sunday as heavy rains lashed Jammu and adjoining areas, disrupting normal life and causing waterlogging in several parts of the city, officials said.

The collapsed house at Shaheedi Chowk in the heart of the city belonged to Rajni Salotra, who, along with her family, had shifted to rented accommodation a few months ago after cracks began developing in the old structure.

The officials said structure collapsed around 7.30 am amid heavy rains, damaging household items.

Residents said the incident could have resulted in casualties, as the lane is densely populated and witnesses regular movement of people. However, there was little to no movement at the time of the incident, as residents were indoors due to heavy rains.

They urged the authorities to immediately identify old, abandoned and structurally unsafe houses across the old city and take preventive measures before such structures collapse and cause loss of life.

Such properties, including those under custodial ownership, need to be properly surveyed and assessed. Houses requiring urgent repairs should be repaired or otherwise secured to prevent accidents, particularly during the monsoon season, Sanjay Kumar, a local resident said, expressing concern over the recurring collapse of old houses in the city during the monsoon every year.

Several parts of Jammu, including Tallab Tillo, Bagwati Nagar, Krishna Nagar and Canal Road, witnessed extensive waterlogging following the rainfall, with rainwater entering houses and shops.

The residents expressed deep frustration over frequent flooding, saying that even relatively light rainfall can lead to water accumulation.

They urged the government to take the issue of waterlogging seriously and undertake a comprehensive assessment of drainage systems in flood-prone areas, particularly where rainwater repeatedly enters homes and shops, and take immediate measures to improve drainage and prevent such incidents during heavy rainfall.

The widespread waterlogging disrupted traffic movement at several points across the city, causing inconvenience to commuters and residents.

Severe waterlogging was reported on the Jammu-Poonch National Highway near Bhagwati Nagar, the Jammu-RS Pura road near Kulliyan and Bajalta Road.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar