JAMMU: A massive humanitarian crisis is unfolding across the Jammu division as severe J&K flash floods and landslides, triggered by torrential overnight rains on Sunday, July 19, 2026, have claimed at least 11 lives. Authorities report that several others are missing in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, prompting large-scale, multi-agency rescue operations.
The relentless downpour has caused rivers to overflow, washing away homes, sweeping dozens of vehicles downstream, and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate.
J&K Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Surankote and Rajouri
The worst of the destruction occurred in Surankote tehsil in the Poonch district. In Lower Murrah village, a devastating landslide struck a residential house in the early hours, burying all eight occupants under heavy debris. Rescue teams have recovered the bodies of 60-year-old Bano Bi and two-year-old Sofian Yasar, while desperate search efforts continue for the remaining missing family members.
Several other fatalities were reported across the region due to house collapses and drownings. In Noonabandi village, a 28-year-old woman named Nazia Kousar died when her house collapsed. Her husband and three young children were rescued with injuries and hospitalized.
Meanwhile, in Rajouri town, the rapidly swelling Darhali and Munawar Tawi rivers breached their banks. Floodwaters inundated low-lying areas, notably the Bella Colony and the New Bus Stand, completely sweeping away dozens of parked vehicles and damaging widespread infrastructure.
Major Pilgrimages Halted
The J&K flash floods have also severely impacted the region’s religious tourism. Citing extreme weather warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), authorities have temporarily suspended all major pilgrimages.
- Amarnath Yatra: Movement has been halted from both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
- Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra: The trek to the shrine in the Trikuta Hills of Reasi district is temporarily suspended.
- Shiv Khori Yatra: Pilgrimage to the cave shrine in Ransoo has been halted for safety.
In Reasi district, the gates of the Salal Hydroelectric Project have been opened to flush the reservoir, causing a sharp rise in the Chenab River’s water levels and prompting immediate public warnings.
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Political Response and Rescue Operations
The severity of the J&K flash floods forced Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to cut his trip to Delhi short. Abdullah, who was scheduled to attend a protest demanding the restoration of statehood, announced he was flying back to Jammu immediately to monitor the unfolding crisis on the ground.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has placed all departments on high alert, directing civil administration, the SDRF, police, and the Army to prioritize the immediate rescue and relief of affected families. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with both Abdullah and Sinha, assuring that the central government will provide all necessary assistance to secure the affected districts.