At least 11 people were killed and several others remain missing after torrential rains triggered devastating landslides and flash floods across the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, July 19. The disaster caused widespread destruction, washing away homes, roads and vehicles while prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving multiple agencies.
The worst-hit area was Surankote tehsil in Poonch district, where several houses were buried under landslides or swept away by powerful floodwaters. Rescue teams worked through difficult conditions, including damaged roads and continuous rainfall, to search for missing residents trapped under debris or stranded in remote villages. Officials fear the death toll could rise as rescue operations continue.
Among the victims were members of families caught inside collapsing homes. In Lower Murrah village, a landslide buried a house with multiple occupants, killing several people, including a young child. In Sangla village, another family's home was washed away by flash floods, leaving several members missing. Elsewhere, house collapses, drowning incidents and flood-related accidents claimed more lives across the affected districts.
The relentless rainfall also caused rivers and streams to overflow, inundating low-lying areas and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate to safer locations. Dozens of vehicles were either swept away or submerged as floodwaters surged through towns and villages. Roads were blocked by landslides, disrupting connectivity and hampering relief efforts in several remote areas.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cut short his visit to New Delhi and returned to Jammu to oversee relief operations and review the evolving situation. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also reviewed the crisis and directed officials to provide immediate assistance to affected families. The administration has mobilised teams from the police, SDRF, NDRF and local authorities to carry out rescue, evacuation and relief work across the affected regions.
The India Meteorological Department has warned of continued moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days, raising concerns about further landslides and flash floods. Authorities have advised residents living near rivers, streams and vulnerable hill slopes to remain alert and avoid unnecessary travel. Rescue teams continue to search for the missing while relief camps have been set up to shelter displaced families.
