Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have sounded a red alert as the Union Territory braces for widespread heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours, raising the risk of thunderstorms, flash floods, and landslides.

The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain in districts including Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur, and Reasi, with moderate to heavy showers expected in Doda, Samba, Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Ramban, Anantnag, and Kulgam. Rainfall is most likely during late-night hours and early mornings.

“Rivers, streams, and seasonal nallahs are expected to swell, and vulnerable areas may face flash floods, landslides, or shooting stones,” officials warned, advising people to avoid water bodies, nallahs, and unstable structures.

District administrations have set up 24/7 helplines and control rooms to respond to emergencies.

Meanwhile, a safety audit has declared the 65-year-old Government Hospital in Gandhinagar, Jammu, unsafe. Patients from its B Block have been shifted to the adjoining 200-bedded Maternity and Child Health (MCH) Hospital to ensure their safety, along with that of doctors, paramedics, and attendants.

The Gandhinagar Government Hospital, one of Jammu’s key healthcare facilities, has 200 sanctioned beds (160 functional) and caters to nearly 1,300–1,400 patients daily.