Rajouri [Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 19 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday evening chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu to assess the devastation, and coordinate relief efforts for the flash flood situation in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Heavy torrential rainfall and subsequent flash floods have wreaked havoc across the Jammu division, particularly in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Several districts in Kashmir issued fresh advisories for those living near streams, rivers and hilly areas, which are prone to landslips and flash floods.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah earlier today engaged in a high-level discussion with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the flood situation triggered by incessant rains.
The Indian Army and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescued several individuals stranded on islands formed by rising river waters in the Nowshera, Chakli, and Muradpur areas of Rajouri. Two persons were specifically rescued from the Muradpur stretch amid raging currents.
"The damage has been extensive; we lost a young girl, and one person remains missing," stated MLA Rajouri, Iftkhar Ahmed. He noted that floodwaters entered homes as early as 3 am prompting a "war footing" rescue response from the district administration and police.
Heavy rainfall triggered a flash flood in Rajouri district, causing the Dharhal River to overflow and inundate the New Bus Stand Bella area, which has the district's largest terminal. Several vehicles parked at the bus stand were damaged after floodwaters entered the parking area.
Nisar Bhat, President of the Muslim Vyapar Mandal, said, "The damage to Bela Colony, the shops, and the parking stand is immense. I estimate the loss to be around ₹500 to ₹600 crore, including both public and government assets."
Jammu and Kashmir L-G Manoj Sinha said rescue teams from the civil administration, police, army, State Disaster Response Force and local volunteers were actively working on the ground. "Affected families have already been moved to safety. All departments are on high alert and are prioritising immediate relief and repair work," he said.
According to the latest reports from the IMD and MeT, there are predictions of bad weather for the next three days as well.
The Rajouri Deputy Commissioner, Abhishek Sharma, confirmed that control rooms in all 13 tehsils have been activated since yesterday.
"The IMD has predicted adverse weather for the next three days. Our priority is restoring communication, electricity, and water supply. The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is on high alert to clear landslides on Highway 44," Sharma said.
He urged residents to avoid low-lying areas and riverbanks.
He further stated that sister agencies - including the district police, SDRF, and the Indian Army- were working in joint collaboration.
"As you can see, the weather has cleared up in the last hour. Our first priority is to complete the rescue operations, focus on relief centres, and restore our emergency services, specifically medical aid, electricity, and road connectivity."
BJP leader Ravinder Raina also visited the affected areas to express solidarity, stating that "the entire nation stands with Rajouri and Poonch in this hour of crisis" as rescue teams work to reach those still cut off.
The situation in Akhnoor remains critical as the Chenab River's water level surged to 29.4 feet, with a discharge of 1,16,400 cusecs. The water has reached the local cremation ghats and riverbanks, prompting the administration to issue an emergency advisory. Locals have been strictly prohibited from approaching the river as levels continue to rise.
With the IMD forecasting continued heavy rain for the next 72 hours, the Jammu and Kashmir administration remains on high alert, with field teams and joint columns of the Army and police deployed to prevent further loss of life.