At least 11 dead, 10 missing as heavy rain causes flash floods in J&K

All rivers of Rajouri, including Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola, were inundated and most of the rivers were flowing close to or even above the danger mark, leading to submergence of many low-lying areas, officials said. Photo credit: X@ANI

Eleven people were killed and 10 others went missing in flash floods triggered by torrential rain in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch and Rajouri districts on Sunday (July 19, 2026), officials said.

Nine deaths were reported from Poonch and two from Rajouri, where a bus stand was among public infrastructure damaged by gushing floods. Initial assessments indicated that more than 100 houses and about two dozen school buildings were damaged in the floods.

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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu in the evening. He directed all deputy commissioners and field agencies to closely monitor vulnerable areas, especially those prone to landslides, flash floods and flooding, and ensure that rescue teams, machinery and essential services remain fully prepared to respond at short notice.

“The administration’s top priority is to protect precious lives. All possible efforts should be made to trace and recover the missing persons so that the affected families receive timely support and are able to cope with the reality of the unfortunate death of their loved ones. In addition, there should be speedy restoration of roads, electricity supply, drinking water and communication links disrupted by heavy rains,” Abdullah said.

According to officials, Poonch area in the Pir Panjal valley was the worst affected. Heavy rain since Sunday morning also triggered flash floods in Rajouri and Kishtwar districts, damaging public property and washing away dozens of vehicles. Landslides disrupted traffic at several places.

Authorities in several districts of the Kashmir Valley have issued new advisories for those living near streams, rivers and hilly areas prone to landslides and flash floods. “People in these areas are advised not to venture out until the weather improves. Tourists, travelers and transporters have been asked to check road conditions before traveling to the hilly areas,” the official advisory said.

J&K Governor Manoj Sinha said civil administration personnel, police, army, State Disaster Response Force and local volunteers were actively working at the site. “The affected families have already been shifted to safer places. All departments are on high alert and are prioritizing immediate relief and restoration work,” he said.

He said heavy rain damaged several houses in Rajouri and Poonch. “I have directed officials to provide immediate relief to all affected families in both districts and ensure that emergency response teams remain on alert,” Mr. Sinha said.

The Chief Minister also cut short his stay in Delhi and went to Jammu to personally monitor the situation on the ground. The National Conference protest on July 20 in Delhi, seeking the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, will now be led by party chairman Dr. Farooq Abdullah.

The Minister of the Interior informed

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Shah was informed about the situation. The home minister has assured the LG and CM of all possible help from the Center for Safety and Protection of Disabled People, officials said.

The administration has suspended the Amarnath Yatra from both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes from Sunday (July 19) following the adverse weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The IMD has predicted another spell of rain in Jammu and Kashmir till July 23.

Published – 19 Jul 2026 08:53 IST