J&K flash floods: 12 dead, several missing as landslides hit Poonch-Rajouri; CM assures help while rescue ops underway

J&K Flash Floods: 12 Dead, Several Missing as Landslides Hit Poonch and Rajouri

Theindiapostdaily.com – Heavy downpours triggered devastating flash floods in Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and multiple people still missing, according to the latest update. The sudden deluge, compounded by landslides, has wreaked havoc on local infrastructure, displacing communities and causing widespread damage. The focus keyword “J K flash floods” has become a central concern for authorities as rescue operations continue in full swing to salvage lives and assess the aftermath.

Disaster Response and Emergency Coordination

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah swiftly adjusted his itinerary, canceling a statehood demonstration in Delhi to oversee the crisis in Jammu. Upon arriving at the Civil Secretariat, he convened a high-level meeting to streamline relief efforts and ensure timely assistance for the affected areas. “We are working round the clock to rescue those in need and provide immediate aid,” said Abdullah, emphasizing the government’s commitment to disaster management.

“The situation remains critical, but we are deploying all resources to mitigate the impact and support the people,” added DC Poonch Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma, who personally visited flood-affected zones to coordinate response strategies. The official reports highlight the severity of the J K flash floods, which have submerged roads, destroyed homes, and disrupted essential services in the region.

Tragic Losses in Surankote and Sangla Villages

One of the worst-hit areas, Surankote tehsil, recorded the majority of the casualties. A family of eight was tragically buried when their house collapsed due to a cloudburst in lower Murrah village. Three bodies, including a young boy named Sofian Yasar, were recovered, while search teams continue to look for the remaining members. The J K flash floods have left entire families in mourning, with the incident underscoring the unpredictability of the weather conditions.

In Sangla village, four family members were swept away by floodwaters, leaving their residence in ruins. Abdul Hameed, his wife Sharifa Begum, daughter Areeba, and sister Manira Begum are among the missing, with two bodies recovered so far. The disaster has not only claimed lives but also disrupted livelihoods, as agricultural lands and livestock were submerged, adding to the economic toll.

Widespread Damage and Evacuations

Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to reach stranded individuals, with reports of additional casualties emerging in various parts of Poonch and Rajouri. A 28-year-old woman, Nazia Kousar, died when her home collapsed in Noonabandi village, while her husband and children were taken to a hospital. In Sanglani-Surankote, Shahzaib Ahmad lost his life in a house collapse, and a minor girl, Iram, was found drowned in a nearby stream. These incidents highlight the chaotic nature of the J K flash floods, which have left communities in disarray.

Further along the riverside, an unidentified woman’s body was recovered from a stream near the Dhundak Lathoong bridge, indicating the extent of the destruction. In Haveli tehsil of Poonch district, six homes collapsed, resulting in one fatality and another serious injury. The relentless rainfall has forced hundreds of residents to flee to higher ground, with local authorities setting up temporary shelters to accommodate the displaced. The J K flash floods have tested the resilience of the region’s infrastructure and emergency preparedness.

Relief Efforts and Ongoing Challenges

As the J K flash floods continue to submerge roads and carry away vehicles, rescue operations face mounting challenges. The flooded terrain has made it difficult for teams to access remote areas, slowing down the recovery process. Local Congress MLA Iftkhar Ahmad expressed concern over the damage to both public and private property, stating that the floods have left the region in a state of emergency. “Every moment counts, and we are doing everything to ensure no one is left behind,” he reiterated during a press briefing.

Authorities have also set up mobile units to provide immediate medical attention and distribute relief supplies. However, the prolonged downpours, expected to continue until July 23, have raised concerns about the potential for further casualties. Rajouri MLA Ahmed, who had initially planned to join a statehood protest, opted to stay with affected residents, demonstrating the priority given to disaster response over political events. The J K flash floods have become a focal point of public discourse and government action.

Leadership and Community Solidarity

Both the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, and Chief Minister Abdullah have extended their condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to expedite recovery efforts. Their leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing resources and coordinating with local teams to address the crisis. “The people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown incredible courage and resilience, and we stand with them in this hour of need,” said Sinha, highlighting the collective spirit of the region.

Additional support has come from former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami, who have called for sustained efforts to rebuild and recover from the J K flash floods. The disaster has not only tested the region’s physical infrastructure but also its social fabric, as communities unite to support one another in the face of adversity. The ongoing rescue operations and relief measures reflect the commitment to saving lives and restoring normalcy in the affected areas.