News in Frames: A coup in the rolling valley
TTorrential rains have disrupted normal life in Jammu and Kashmir in recent days. The intense monsoon triggered landslides, flash floods, urban waterlogging and agricultural problems, as well as flooding of major rivers and bodies of water across the region.
The Kashmir valley experienced an unusually intense spell of rain that lasted for several days. The India Meteorological Department reported that Kashmir received 324.94% more rainfall than normal between July 17 and July 23. Due to heavy rain, the Jhelum river and its main catchment area near the Lidder river swelled violently, leading to major flooding.
The rain also wiped out the region’s seasonal rainfall deficit in just four days. Reasi district recorded the highest rainfall of 473.2 mm during the heavy wet period from 19 July to 24 July.
Although Srinagar itself has been affected, the situation poses a threat to the agrarian economy of the region. Areas of south Kashmir – including Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama – saw vast areas of low-lying paddy fields submerged.
The mid-summer period is a sensitive growing phase for paddy crops. Prolonged flooding threatens the health of the roots, prevents the absorption of nutrients and risks a significant reduction in yield.
The region’s famous apple orchards also suffered due to waterlogged soil, prompting the Department of Horticulture to issue advisories urging farmers to clear drainage channels immediately to prevent root decay and structural damage.
Meanwhile, swollen tributaries and rising water levels in the Jhelum River have put the rural and semi-urban population on high alert. While flow levels of major rivers are closely monitored by civil authorities, localized flash floods and landslides have damaged smaller connecting structures in the foothills.
While field teams work to restore traffic and drain water from flooded centers, the farming community remains concerned as it waits for drier weather to assess the extent of crop damage across the valley.
Photo: Imran Nissar
Livelihoods lost: A municipal shopping complex lies in ruins after raging floods from the swollen Sukhnag river washed away dozens of shops at Beerwah in Budgam district.
Photo: Imran Nissar
Driving in all weathers: A fisherman rows his boat on a lake in unusually heavy rain in Srinagar.
Photo: Imran Nissar
Water wave: Houseboats moored on the banks of the Jhelum River in Srinagar after heavy rain.
Photo: Imran Nissar
Reason for concern: A man watches the flooded Jhelum River in Srinagar after days of intense rain.
Photo: Imran Nissar
Smooth streets: A view of a waterlogged road near Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) in Srinagar.
Photo: Imran Nissar
Click: A Kashmiri man rides a horse cart on a rainy day in Srinagar.
Photo: Imran Nissar
Wagons laid aside: Trucks stalled in Qazigund after landslides forced the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Photo: Imran Nissar
Perilous perch: Houses on the banks of river Jhelum flowing past danger sign in Srinagar. Swollen tributaries and rising river levels in the region have put the rural and semi-urban population on high alert.
Photo: Imran Nissar
All that remains: People watch after floods cause structural damage in Beerwah, a popular tourist destination.
Photo: Imran Nissar
Field Study: A man walks through a paddy field in Kulgam. Prolonged heavy rain poses a threat to the local agrarian economy.
Published – 26 Jul 2026 09:57 IST