At least 12 people lost their lives and several others remain missing after torrential rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods across the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday. The extreme weather caused widespread destruction, damaging homes, roads and other public infrastructure.
According to officials, heavy rain wreaked havoc in Poonch, damaging nearly 93 houses, 17 schools, 24 traditional water mills (gharats) and three shops. Rescue teams have been deployed to search for the missing, while relief operations continue in the affected areas.
In response to the disaster, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cancelled the National Conference’s planned statehood protest in New Delhi and travelled to Jammu to personally monitor the situation. He reached the Civil Secretariat on Sunday evening and chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials to assess the damage and review ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
The administration is focusing on restoring connectivity, assisting displaced families and ensuring immediate relief reaches those affected by the flash floods and landslides. Authorities are also closely monitoring weather conditions as concerns remain over the possibility of further rainfall in vulnerable regions.
Search operations are underway to trace those still missing, while the government has assured that all necessary assistance will be provided to affected families and efforts to restore normalcy will continue on priority.