11 dead, several missing after flash floods and landslides hit J-K's Poonch, Rajouri

Heavy rainfall continued to wreak havoc across Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, leaving at least 11 people dead and seven others missing after flash floods and landslides struck the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri. With several villages cut off and roads damaged, rescue teams have launched a large-scale operation to trace the missing and evacuate stranded residents.

The continuous downpour since Saturday night triggered landslides, house collapses and overflowing rivers, causing widespread destruction in both districts. Officials said Surankote tehsil in Poonch emerged as the worst-hit area, accounting for most of the casualties.

As the situation deteriorated, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cut short his Delhi visit and returned to Jammu to oversee relief efforts. He said protecting lives remains the administration's immediate priority and assured affected families that the government would provide all possible assistance. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the rescue operations and directed officials to speed up relief measures in the affected districts.

"I have abandoned my party programme to stand with my people, as the flash floods have caused extensive damage to



public and private property," Ahmad said.

In a post on X, the chief minister said he is returning from Delhi and would personally monitor the situation on the ground. "In light of the weather warning put out by the meteorological department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of Jammu division, I will leave Delhi to fly to Jammu this afternoon to personally monitor the situation on the ground," the chief minister said.

"Since first light this morning I've been closely monitoring the situation arising from the extremely heavy rain in parts of Jammu, especially Rajouri town & surrounding areas. I've been in touch with the local MLAs of the region. While the situation continues to unfold the first priority of the administration is to safeguard precious lives. The government will do everything possible to aid & assist affected people who have suffered property loss/damage due to the rains & flash floods," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to both Manoj Sinha and Omar Abdullah to review the flood situation. He assured them that the Centre would extend every possible assistance for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.