Torrential rains have wreaked havoc across the Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu division, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 individuals and leaving several others missing. The severe weather triggered widespread devastation, including flashfloods and landslides, prompting a massive search-and-rescue operation by the Army, police, and other emergency agencies. These efforts are focused on locating the missing persons and providing assistance to those affected by the calamity.
Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the administration and the Meteorological Department had issued multiple alerts concerning potential inclement weather conditions expected between July 19 and July 23. Residents in vulnerable areas were strongly advised to avoid venturing near water streams. Despite these warnings, heavy rainfall lashed the region late on Saturday and continued through Sunday, exacerbating the situation in the hilly and mountainous terrains of the Union Territory.
In the Surankote area of Poonch, eight members of a single family are feared dead following a landslide in Murrah village. As of Sunday evening, only three bodies had been recovered from the debris. The deceased family members have been identified as Noor Safia, aged 59; Sajad Ahmed, 16; Haqnawaz Ahmed, 10; Shahnawaz Ahmed, 10; Khalda Kouser, 25; Sofian Iqbal, 2; Bano Bi, 60; and Mohd Akram, 7. In a separate incident in Poonch, Nazia Kouser, 28, the wife of Mohd Hafiz, lost her life when her house collapsed due to the relentless rain. Four injured family members were subsequently transported to the district hospital for medical attention. Another casualty occurred in Sanglani-Surankote, where Shahzaib Ahmad, 22, died after a landslide struck his house. The tragedy extended to Marhote, where a minor girl, Iram Kouser, daughter of Abdul Majid, drowned in a swollen stream. Her body has since been retrieved. Numerous houses in areas such as Sangla, Sangalani, and Bufliaz within Poonch district have also sustained damage, with widespread reports of property loss.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha convened a review of the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the affected Rajouri and Poonch districts. Following the incessant rainfall and subsequent flashfloods, Sinha stated, “I spoke to senior officials and reviewed the situation in Rajouri and Poonch affected by rain and flashfloods. In Rajouri, rescue teams from the civil administration, police, Army, SDRF and local volunteers are actively working on the ground. Affected families have already been moved to safety. All departments are on high alert, and they are prioritising immediate relief and repair work. I urge residents to stay calm and follow official updates.” The heavy rainfall has also severely impacted infrastructure, with road connectivity to many areas severed due to floodwaters damaging roadways. Power infrastructure in large parts of Rajouri and Poonch has also sustained significant damage.
The Bella Colony in Rajouri district was also hit by the floods, claiming the life of one woman. Near the new bus stand, dozens of vehicles were piled up by the sheer force of the surging water. The Bella area, situated close to a local river in Rajouri, experienced a dramatic rise in water levels exceeding normal parameters. The body of the deceased woman was found floating in the river. In another distressing incident in Rajouri, a Jal Jeevan Mission employee in Thanamandi was swept away by floodwaters and remains missing. The Rajouri district administration has reported that approximately 150 families residing in low-lying areas have been safely relocated to higher ground. The Union Territory administration has issued a warning that inclement weather conditions are anticipated to persist until July 23.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah indicated that he had been closely monitoring the unfolding situation since early Sunday morning. His office has maintained constant communication with local representatives and district officials to ensure the swift execution of relief and rescue operations. Abdullah commented, “Since first light this morning, I’ve been closely monitoring the situation arising from the extremely heavy rain in parts of Jammu, especially Rajouri town and surrounding areas. I’ve been in touch with the local MLAs of the region. While the situation continues to unfold, the first priority of the administration is to safeguard precious lives. The government will do everything possible to aid and assist affected people who have suffered property loss or damage due to the rains and flashfloods.”
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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