Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, with at least 10 people losing their lives in flash floods and cloudbursts.
The torrential downpour, which continued from late Saturday night into Sunday morning, triggered flash floods and landslides in several areas. Ten people have died so far, while several others are reported missing. At least four people, including three children, have been injured.
Surankote tehsil in Poonch district has been the worst affected by the heavy rains. Several houses were damaged or buried by landslides. Teams from the administration, police, Army, and disaster response agencies are carrying out rescue and relief operations.
Block Medical Officer (BMO), Surankote, Dr. Mohd Yousaf Choudhary said that six bodies had initially been recovered, while several others were still missing. Search and rescue operations are continuing at the site.
The deceased have been identified as Noor Safia, wife of Mohammad Latief (59); Sajad Ahmed, son of Mohammad Latief (16); Haqnawaz Ahmed, son of Mohd Latief (10); Shahnawaz Ahmed, son of Mohammad Latief (10); Khalda Kouser, wife of Yasar Iqbal (25); Sofian, son of Yasar Iqbal (2); Bano Bi, wife of Mohammad Hussain (60); and Mohammad Akram, son of Mohd Liaqat (7).
Officials said electric poles were uprooted and mobile network services were disrupted in several flood-affected areas of Poonch district.
An 18-year-old youth died after a house collapsed in Sangleyani village. Meanwhile, in Marhot village, a minor girl, Iram, was swept away by a fast-flowing stream and drowned. The body of an unidentified woman was also recovered from a drain near the Dhundhak Lathung bridge.
In Nunabandi village of Poonch, a house collapsed due to heavy rains, killing 28-year-old Nazia Kausar. Her husband, Mohammad Hafeez, and their three children, aged between two and six years, sustained injuries and were rescued. All the injured were shifted to Raja Sukhdev Singh District Hospital for treatment.
Rescue operations intensified
Rescue operations have intensified in Mada village of Surankote tehsil. Officials said eight bodies have so far been recovered from the debris of a damaged house, while six people are still reported missing.
The administration has deployed multiple rescue teams in the affected areas. Efforts are underway to evacuate trapped residents, clear debris, and provide immediate relief to affected families.
Poonch Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Shafqat Hussain visited the affected area to review the rescue and relief operations.
Joint teams of the civil administration, police, Army, and SDRF are carrying out rescue operations across the affected areas. Officials said the priority is to safely evacuate stranded residents and provide immediate assistance to affected families.
Administration issues advisory
The administration has appealed to the public to stay away from rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas and to strictly follow weather advisories. Officials said the situation in several parts of the district is being closely monitored.
Amit Shah speaks to LG, CM; assures all possible assistance
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take stock of the flood situation in Poonch and Rajouri districts following heavy overnight rainfall.
Officials said the Home Minister was briefed about the ground situation and the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Shah assured both the lieutenant governor and the chief minister of all possible assistance from the centre for the safety and welfare of the affected people.
Lieutenant Governor reviews rescue and relief operations
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the rescue and relief operations in Rajouri and Poonch following incessant rainfall and flash floods.
He also urged residents to remain calm and follow official advisories.
In a post on X, the lieutenant governor said:
“I spoke to senior officials and reviewed the situation in Rajouri and Poonch affected by incessant rain and flash floods. 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 shifted to safer locations. All departments are on high alert and are prioritising immediate relief and restoration work. I urge residents to stay calm and follow official updates.
I spoke to the senior officials and reviewed the situation in Rajouri and Poonch affected by incessant rain and flash floods.
In Rajouri, rescue teams from the civil administration, police, army, SDRF, and local volunteers are actively working on the ground. Affected families…— Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) July 19, 2026
I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Rajouri and Poonch’s Haveli and Surankote areas. My heart goes out to the bereaved families. The heavy rains have also damaged several houses across both districts. I have directed officials to provide immediate assistance to all affected families and ensure that emergency teams remain fully prepared for any eventuality.”
CM to personally monitor situation in Jammu
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief over the loss of lives caused by flash floods and landslides in Poonch.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Chief Minister said that the administration, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and all other concerned agencies are fully engaged in rescue and relief operations. He directed the authorities to ensure that all possible assistance reaches the affected families without delay.
In view of the weather warning issued by the Meteorological Department and the deteriorating situation in parts of the Jammu division, the Chief Minister said he would leave Delhi on Sunday afternoon to fly to Jammu and personally monitor the situation on the ground.
He added that he has remained in constant touch with local MLAs from the affected areas to assess the evolving situation and coordinate relief efforts.
“While the situation continues to unfold, the administration’s foremost priority is to safeguard precious lives. The government will do everything possible to assist people who have suffered the loss of lives, property, and livelihoods due to the heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides,” the Chief Minister said.
He reiterated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that relief, rescue, and rehabilitation measures are carried out swiftly and effectively across all affected areas.
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