Several dead as flash floods ravage Rajouri, Poonch; Army called out for rescue operations

Several people lost their lives and extensive damage was reported after flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall struck the LoC regions of the Rajouri and Poonch districts on Sunday. The Army has been called in for rescue operations as authorities intensified efforts to evacuate affected families and restore normalcy in the flood-ravaged areas.

The administration launched an all-out rescue operation under the close supervision of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, while Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cut short his Delhi visit to return to Jammu.

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The Haveli and Surankote areas of Poonch district and parts of Rajouri have reported casualties.

Army personnel, along with the police, the SDRF, and civil administration teams, have launched massive rescue operations to evacuate stranded residents and provide relief to affected families.

Torrential rains have left a trail of destruction, claiming lives and inundating villages, while washing away houses and vehicles. All rivers and nallahs were in spate due to the heavy rainfall.

The Meteorological Department had predicted heavy rainfall and flash floods across Jammu and Kashmir.

LG Sinha wrote on X: “I spoke to senior officials and reviewed the situation in Rajouri and Poonch, which have been 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 moved to safety. 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 am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Rajouri and the Haveli and Surankote areas of Poonch. My heart goes out to the grieving families. The heavy rains have also damaged several homes across Rajouri and Poonch. I have directed officials to provide immediate assistance to all affected families in both districts and have ensured that emergency teams remain fully prepared for any situation,” the LG wrote.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was in Delhi for Monday’s National Conference protest demanding the restoration of statehood, is flying back to Jammu to supervise the rescue and relief operations.

Omar wrote on X: “In light of the weather warning issued by the Meteorological Department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of the Jammu division, I will leave Delhi to fly to Jammu this afternoon to personally monitor the situation on the ground. The statehood protest will go ahead under the leadership of JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah as planned.”

Flash floods triggered by incessant overnight rain inundated parts of Rajouri town in Jammu and Kashmir early on Sunday, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate as overflowing rivers submerged low-lying areas, including the new bus stand, officials said.

Dozens of vehicles were swept away or submerged after rivers breached their banks, causing widespread disruption.

The Darhali River breached a flood protection wall near Bela Colony, sending floodwaters into the new bus stand, where dozens of vehicles were either washed away or left submerged.

The slum settlement near Abdullah Bridge was among the worst-hit areas, with more than 50 families forced to leave their homes after floodwaters entered the locality.