Srinagar, Jul 21 (KNO): Torrential rains triggered massive flash floods in Beerwah and Khag areas of Central Kashmir's Budgam district on Tuesday, sweeping away a man and causing widespread damage to markets and residential areas, while rescue teams intensified the search for missing persons in the flood-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu division.
An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) a man identified as Shabir Ahmad Poswal, of Drang village in Khag, was swept away near Gujarpati, Drung Khag. “He is feared dead and search for the body is on,” the official added.
In Budgam's Beerwah town, the Sukhnag stream overflowed following incessant rain, triggering flood-like conditions that swept away dozens of shops along its banks and caused extensive damage to public infrastructure.
Officials and local residents said the swollen stream washed away several shops, including parts of a municipal shopping complex near the main bus stand, forcing traders to scramble to shift their goods to safety.
The floodwaters also damaged a temporary alternative road serving as the only link connecting Beerwah with Budgam and Khansahib while a new bridge is under construction. Vehicular movement was disrupted after the road suffered extensive damage.
A drinking water supply pipeline was also damaged, affecting potable water supply to parts of the area. Embankments along the stream were eroded, raising fears of further flooding if rainfall persists.
Residents urged the administration to restore road connectivity, repair the damaged water supply network and strengthen flood protection measures. Officials said an assessment of the damage was underway.
HEAVY RAINS BATTER JAMMU FOR 3RD CONSECUTIVE DAY
Meanwhile, heavy rains lashed Jammu city and several parts of the region for the third running day on Tuesday, disrupting normal life, inundating roads, and prompting authorities to maintain a high alert amid forecasts of continued moderate to heavy rainfall over the next two days.
According to the details accessed by the KNO the India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded the highest rainfall in Katra, the base camp for the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, which received 107.1 mm of rain during the 24-hour period ending at 8.30 a.m.
Poonch recorded 61.5 mm, followed by Reasi with 54.5 mm, Rajouri 49 mm and Jammu city 35 mm during the same period.
Heavy rainfall since early morning caused widespread waterlogging in several parts of Jammu city, affecting vehicular movement and disrupting daily life. Roads in many localities remained submerged, while overflowing drains and nallahs raised concerns in low-lying areas. Authorities advised residents in vulnerable locations to remain vigilant as water levels could rise further if the rainfall persists.
The ongoing wet spell has compounded the impact of the extreme weather witnessed over the past three days. According to officials, at least 23 people have lost their lives and seven others remain missing in rain-related incidents in Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts since Sunday.
At least 23 people have died and seven others are missing in rain-related incidents in Poonch, Rajouri and Doda districts since Sunday.
However, as a precautionary measure, the Amarnath Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, Shiv Khori Yatra and Machail Mata Yatra remained suspended for the third consecutive day due to persistent rainfall, landslides and the heightened risk of flash floods. Pilgrims have been advised to remain at designated shelters until weather conditions improve and the routes are declared safe.
Several highways, roads and link roads across the region continued to remain affected by landslides, mudslides and shooting stones. Restoration work is underway, although intermittent rainfall has slowed efforts to clear debris and restore normal connectivity.
The administration said the situation is being monitored round the clock, with district authorities, disaster response teams and other agencies remaining on the highest level of preparedness in vulnerable areas.
The Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, has forecast generally cloudy weather with intermittent spells of light to moderate rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir till July 23.
The weather office has also warned of isolated to scattered intense showers that could trigger flash floods, landslides, mudslides, shooting stones and a rise in water levels in rivers, streams and nallahs, particularly in vulnerable areas of the Jammu division. Authorities have advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from water bodies and landslide-prone areas, and follow official advisories.
SEARCH FOR MISSING CONTINUES IN POONCH
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations entered the third consecutive day in Surankote area of Poonch district, with teams of the police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) continuing efforts to trace missing persons in rain-hit areas.
Officials said operations were underway despite challenging weather conditions after flash floods and landslides caused extensive damage to roads and infrastructure across the district.
The Jammu-Poonch National Highway also remained closed after a landslide at Shiendra Maidana in Surankote triggered by heavy rain. Clearance operations were underway and commuters were advised to avoid the route.
In another incident, a 60-year-old man was injured after his mud house collapsed in Arai village of Mandi area. He was shifted to the district hospital in Poonch for treatment.
LG SINHA ASSESSES SITUATION
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assessed the situation in flood hit regions and directed the officials to ensure prompt relief to the victims.
LG Sinha in a statement said, “ I spoke with senior officials and the DCs of Rajouri and Poonch to assess the damage to houses and key public infrastructure caused by heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides.”
He said, “The Divisional Commissioner and IG Jammu are currently on the ground, and I have instructed all departments to work around the clock in close coordination to manage rescue, relief, and restoration efforts.”
“Our main focus is reopening key roads and restoring power and water supplies. I was informed that out of 435 damaged roads, 356 have already been restored. I urge citizens to avoid non-essential travel in vulnerable areas and strictly follow safety advisories issued by local district administration.
Teams from the SDRF, NDRF, Army, BRO, NHAI, J&K Police, and Civil Defence are working together, while Quick Response teams are deployed in vulnerable areas,” the Lieutenant Governor said, adding, “I am deeply anguished by the tragic loss of lives in this natural calamity. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. Prayers for the swift recovery of all those injured.”
CM OMAR ANNOUNCES Rs 6 LAKH EX GRATIA FOR VICTIMS’ FAMILIES
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed profound grief and anguish over the tragic loss of seven lives in a landslide at Domail Dhok in the Nandichool area of Loran, Poonch district. He conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.
The Chief Minister said the tragic incident has caused immense sorrow and expressed solidarity with the affected families in this hour of grief. He prayed for strength and courage to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss.
As an immediate measure of support, the Chief Minister announced an ex gratia relief of ₹6 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased. The assistance will comprise ₹4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and ₹2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).
To ensure close supervision of relief and rehabilitation measures, the Chief Minister has deputed Ministers Javed Ahmed Rana and Satish Sharma to visit the affected areas in Rajouri and Poonch. The Ministers will assess the ground situation, oversee the ongoing relief efforts and ensure that all necessary assistance reaches the affected families without delay.
SATISH SHARMA VISITS FLOOD-HIT RAJOURI, REVIEWS RELIEF OPERATIONS
Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today undertook an extensive visit to the flood-affected areas of Rajouri district to assess the damage caused by the recent flash floods, review the ongoing rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures, and take stock of the restoration of essential public services.
Reaffirming the Government's commitment to ensuring timely relief and rehabilitation of every affected family, the Minister said that the administration has been directed to leave no stone unturned in extending immediate assistance and restoring normalcy in the affected areas.
The Minister began his visit by inspecting the flood-ravaged Baila Bus Stand, one of the worst-affected locations in Rajouri town. He took stock of the extensive damage caused to the bus stand infrastructure and inspected several vehicles that were severely damaged after being caught in the flash floods. He directed the concerned officers to conduct a detailed assessment of the losses and expedite restoration measures to ensure the early resumption of public transport services.
Interacting with local residents and transporters, Satish Sharma expressed deep concern over the hardships faced by them due to the natural calamity. He assured them that the Government is closely monitoring the situation and all genuine cases of damage and loss would be addressed in accordance with the established norms.
Subsequently, the Minister visited the Relief and Rehabilitation Centre established by the District Administration at Government Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS), Rajouri, where families displaced by the floods have been provided temporary shelter.
The Minister spent considerable time interacting with the affected families, listening to their concerns and enquiring about their immediate requirements. He assured them that the Government stands shoulder to shoulder with them during this difficult period and that every possible measure would be taken to ensure their safety, welfare and dignified rehabilitation.
During the visit, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma briefed the Minister on the rescue operations conducted immediately after the flash floods, the ongoing relief measures and the rehabilitation plan being implemented by the district administration. He informed that the administration has made comprehensive arrangements at the relief centre, including safe accommodation, nutritious food, clean drinking water, uninterrupted electricity, sanitation facilities, healthcare services, medicines, counselling support and other essential amenities to ensure the well-being of the displaced families.
The Minister also conducted a comprehensive review of the availability and restoration of essential public services in the affected areas. He assessed the status of ration supply, drinking water, electricity, road connectivity, transport services, healthcare facilities and other civic amenities. He directed the officers of the concerned departments to work in close coordination to restore all damaged infrastructure and public utilities on a priority basis while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential services to the affected population.
Emphasising the importance of coordinated disaster response, Satish Sharma instructed all departments to maintain close coordination, remain on alert and ensure prompt redressal of public grievances. He stressed that relief efforts should continue until every affected family is adequately rehabilitated and normal life is fully restored.
The Minister appreciated the dedicated efforts of the District Administration, Police, SDRF, Civil Defence, volunteers and all line departments for their swift response in carrying out rescue and relief operations despite challenging conditions. He observed that their timely intervention helped minimise the impact of the disaster and ensured the safety of many residents.
"The Government is fully committed to providing every possible assistance to the flood-affected families. All departments have been directed to work with urgency and compassion so that relief reaches every deserving person without delay. Restoration of essential services and rehabilitation of affected families remain our highest priority," the Minister said.
MLA Rajouri Iftikhar Ahmed and MLA Thanamandi Muzaffar Ahmad Khan accompanied the Minister during the visit and interacted with the affected families and local residents.
Senior district and sectoral officers were also present and briefed the Minister on the prevailing situation, the progress of relief operations and the measures being taken to restore normalcy across the affected areas—(KNO)