Flash Floods and Landslides Leave Twelve Dead in Jammu and Kashmir

Torrential rain caused widespread devastation across the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, leaving at least 12 people dead. Flash floods and landslides swept through several villages, damaging homes, schools and public infrastructure while rescue teams continued searching for missing residents.

The worst affected areas were reported from Surankote tehsil in Poonch district, where the impact of the floods was particularly severe. Officials said nine people lost their lives in Poonch and three others sustained injuries. In neighbouring Rajouri district, three people died, one person was injured and two others were reported missing.

Rescue operations are being carried out by the Army, police and local emergency teams in an effort to locate those still unaccounted for. Authorities said search efforts would continue until all missing persons are traced.

The disaster caused extensive property damage across both districts. More than 130 houses, 18 schools and several vehicles were damaged. Mobile communication services were disrupted in some areas, while drinking water supply was affected in hundreds of households. Initial assessments also indicated crop damage across nearly 127 kanals of agricultural land.

After receiving updates on the disaster, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cancelled his planned protest programme in New Delhi and returned to Jammu to oversee relief efforts. He chaired a high level review meeting and instructed officials to prioritize rescue operations and ensure immediate assistance for affected families.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and several political leaders expressed grief over the loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities stated that relief and rehabilitation efforts are continuing while all available resources have been deployed to support those affected by the natural disaster.