At least 11 people were killed, and seven others went missing as torrential rains unleashed flash floods and landslides across the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri on Sunday.
Rescue teams from multiple agencies are racing against time to trace the missing amid damaged roads and continuing downpours.
The worst devastation was reported from Surankote tehsil in Poonch, where a landslide buried eight members of a family in Lower Murrah village. Five bodies, including that of a two‑year‑old boy, were recovered, while search operations continue for the remaining victims.
In Sangla village, four members of another family were swept away by flash floods, while separate incidents claimed lives in Noonabandi, Sanglani‑Surankote, Marhote, and Haveli tehsil. In Rajouri town, floodwaters inundated low‑lying areas, forcing hundreds to evacuate as vehicles were swept away.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cut short his Delhi visit to return to Jammu, pledging to personally monitor relief efforts. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed officials to ensure immediate assistance to affected families. Local MLAs also abandoned political programmes to stand with residents, citing extensive damage to public and private property.
With the meteorological department warning of heavy rainfall until July 23, authorities remain on high alert. Relief teams continue evacuations and damage assessments as the region reels under one of its worst monsoon disasters in recent years.
