Srinagar, Sept. 3 -- An official said that many houses in Kotli village were flooded as the river overflowed, while in Hamirpur the water entered the residential areas, severing road connectivity and leaving the village completely cut off.

Jammu (Rural) Police issued a public advisory, urging people to stay away from riverbanks and ensure children remain indoors.

"Rescue operations were launched after around 40 members of the Gujjar community were stranded in Garkhal Gram Panchayat. A major rescue operation has been launched by the administration to shift and evacuate them to safer places," the officer said, adding that teams are on the ground to monitor the situation.

The old bridge in Akhnoor was closed after the Chenab river's water...