JAMMU, July 21, 2026 — Devastating flash floods and landslides triggered by relentless torrential rains have wreaked havoc across the Jammu region, claiming at least 11 lives on Monday. This fresh wave of casualties has pushed the total death toll from rain-related incidents over the past two days to 22 across the twin border districts of Poonch, Rajouri, and neighboring areas.
According to Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, the massive destruction has left 15 dead in Poonch, three in Rajouri, three in Doda, and one in Udhampur. Several people are still feared missing as heavy rains continue to hamper intensive search and rescue operations.
Tragedy in Poonch: 7 of a Family Buried Alive
The worst of the tragedy unfolded in the upper reaches of Loran village in Poonch district. Early Monday morning, a massive landslide struck a dhok (mud house) in the Domila Dhook area while the residents were asleep. Seven members of the same family, including three children, were buried alive.
The deceased were identified as Zahida Begum (38), her son Manan Rafiq (6), daughter Aleesa (4), brother-in-law Tanveer Ahmed (27), sisters-in-law Shamim Akhter (33) and Shabnam Bano (31), and nephew Mohd Irfan (17).
Inspector Mohammad Younus Khan, Station House Officer of Loran, reported that police teams had to trek through treacherous hilly terrain for five hours to reach the remote site after a minor boy from another family alerted them to the disaster.
Fatalities on the Highways and Swept Away by Floods
In Doda district, a passenger bus was struck by massive boulders tumbling down a hillock near Raggi Nallah along the Jammu-Kishtwar National Highway (NH244) at around 9:30 am. The incident killed two passengers—Kulwant Singh (29) of Bhagwah and Manesh Kumar (33) of Bhaderwah—and left six others injured, one critically.
In a separate incident in Doda’s Kashtigarh area, a woman identified as Shiv Devi lost her life when shooting stones struck her house during the heavy downpour.
Meanwhile, in Rajouri town, rescue workers retrieved the body of Waqas Ahmed from the river in the Salani area on Monday morning. He had been washed away by flash floods on Sunday. Rajouri recorded the highest rainfall in the region, receiving 135 mm within 24 hours, causing the Munawar Tawi river to overflow and heavily inundate low-lying areas, completely devastating the local bus stand.
Rescue Operations and Government Response
The continuous downpour, swollen streams, and poor visibility have severely hindered the movement of rescue teams. Despite the adverse conditions, personnel from the J&K Police, Indian Army, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local volunteers are working tirelessly in the affected zones.
Responding to the widespread devastation, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex-gratia relief of ₹6 lakh for the next of kin of each person who lost their life.
“While no amount of financial assistance can compensate for the irreparable loss suffered by the affected families, the government stands firmly with them during this difficult time,” Abdullah stated, adding that emergency teams are on high alert in vulnerable areas.
Authorities have issued strict advisories for residents living near water bodies and landslide-prone zones to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel as the extreme weather persists.
Published by True Roots Media Network