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JammuKashmir : Relentless overnight rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, leaving multiple people dead, damaging homes and infrastructure, and forcing hundreds of residents to flee to safer locations. Rajouri district emerged as one of the worst-hit areas, where overflowing rivers inundated low-lying localities, swept away vehicles, and disrupted normal life.
According to officials, continuous heavy rainfall since Saturday evening caused major rivers, including the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola, to swell dangerously, with water levels touching and even crossing the danger mark. The Darhali River breached its flood protection wall near Bela Colony, sending a massive surge of water into Rajouri town’s new bus stand, where dozens of vehicles were either washed away or left submerged.
The flash floods also devastated nearby residential areas. More than 50 families living in the slum settlement near Abdullah Bridge were evacuated after floodwaters entered their homes, while the locality around Tariq Bridge witnessed similar scenes as police and rescue teams responded to multiple distress calls and shifted residents away from vulnerable riverbanks.
Rescue and relief operations are continuing on a war footing, with teams from the local administration, police and emergency services working tirelessly to evacuate stranded families, clear affected areas and assess the damage to public and private property. Police personnel have been patrolling flood-prone locations, making public announcements and urging people in low-lying areas to move to safer places immediately.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23, prompting authorities to remain on high alert. The district administration has appealed to residents to stay vigilant and follow official advisories, while police control rooms continue to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate emergency response.
In view of the ongoing monsoon threat, the Sub-Divisional Administration in Katra has also established a dedicated Monsoon Disaster Management Control Room to ensure round-the-clock monitoring of heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and road blockages. The control room will coordinate emergency response, record reports of damage and ensure timely communication with higher authorities. Residents facing rain-related emergencies can contact the Katra Monsoon Control Room at 01991-295681 for immediate assistance.
Taking stock of the unfolding crisis, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the flood situation in Rajouri. He assured the Union Territory administration of the Centre’s full support and all possible assistance to safeguard lives and strengthen ongoing rescue and relief efforts as authorities continue battling the devastating impact of the monsoon.
Reported By : Reshi Irshad
