Flash Floods Devastate Poonch and Rajouri, 17 Killed as Heavy Rain Triggers Widespread Destruction

At least 17 people have lost their lives after heavy rainfall and multiple cloudbursts triggered devastating flash floods in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The disaster swept away homes, shops, vehicles, and other public property, leaving widespread destruction across the region.

In response to the worsening situation, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cut short his visit to New Delhi and returned to Jammu to oversee relief and rescue operations.

Officials said Poonch was the worst affected district, where 16 deaths have been confirmed. In the Surankote area, six members of the same family were killed after their house collapsed during the floods. Local residents described the disaster as the most severe flood the area has witnessed since 1992.

In Haveli tehsil, a woman died when a mud house collapsed in the Nonabandi area, while three other family members suffered serious injuries and were admitted to a district hospital. Another woman was swept away by floodwaters in the Marha area of Surankote. Rajouri district also reported the death of one woman.

Flood conditions worsened in Rajouri after the Rajouri River overflowed and inundated residential neighbourhoods, including Bela Colony. Several cars and commercial vehicles parked at the Bela Bus Stand were washed away by the strong currents.

Flash floods also caused extensive damage in the Thannamandi subdivision, where several workers at a stone crusher unit became stranded. Rescue teams are working to evacuate those trapped. In the Manjakote area, cloudbursts damaged a local graveyard, washing away several graves and causing distress among residents.

Following the disaster, the civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, the State Disaster Response Force, the Indian Army, and local volunteers launched large scale rescue and relief operations. Families stranded in low lying areas have been shifted to safer locations and temporary relief camps.

The Meteorological Department had earlier issued warnings of heavy rainfall and flash floods across the Jammu region. However, the intensity of the rain exceeded expectations, leading to extensive damage. Authorities have placed all emergency teams on high alert and are prioritising the restoration of essential services, including electricity and water supply.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and said protecting citizens remains the government’s top priority. He also confirmed that the National Conference’s planned protest in New Delhi for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood would continue under the leadership of party president Dr Farooq Abdullah.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad also expressed grief over the loss of lives. The Lieutenant Governor directed district authorities to provide immediate financial assistance and other necessary support to the affected families. Officials have urged residents to stay away from rivers and streams and remain alert until weather conditions improve.