Flash Floods Kill 11 in Jammu and Kashmir as Heavy Rains Batter Rajouri and Poonch

At least 11 people have died and several others remain missing after flash floods triggered by overnight torrential rain caused widespread devastation in the Rajouri and Poonch districts of India's Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday.

Floodwaters from overflowing rivers and streams inundated low-lying areas, forcing authorities to evacuate hundreds of residents to safer locations as rescue operations continued.

According to local administration officials, 10 people were killed when houses collapsed in Poonch district following intense rainfall. In neighboring Rajouri, one person died in separate incidents linked to landslides, flash floods and heavy rain.

Search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate those reported missing. Officials also said that at least seven houses were damaged in the Haveli area of Poonch.

Rajouri Among Worst-Hit Areas

Rajouri town suffered some of the worst flooding after rising river levels spilled into residential neighborhoods, disrupting daily life and sweeping away or submerging numerous vehicles.

Emergency responders, assisted by local authorities, have launched evacuation and relief operations while officials assess the full extent of the damage.

The flooding comes despite weather authorities having already warned of moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir through July 23. Continuous rain began on Saturday evening, with intense overnight downpours causing rivers and streams to overflow.

Heavy Rainfall Recorded Across Region

Official rainfall data showed that Reasi received the highest rainfall over the past 24 hours, recording 106 millimetres, followed by:

Rajouri: 103 mm
Udhampur: 101.6 mm
Katra: 85 mm
Poonch: 77 mm
Batote: 57.5 mm

Officials said major waterways in Rajouri—including the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola rivers—rose to or above danger levels, flooding several low-lying communities.

A flood-protection embankment along the Darhali River near Bela Colony collapsed, allowing floodwaters to surge into the New Bus Stand area, where numerous vehicles were swept away or submerged.

Among the hardest-hit locations was a settlement near Abdullah Bridge, where floodwaters forced more than 50 families to abandon their homes.

Areas near Tariq Bridge were also inundated, prompting police and emergency personnel to respond to multiple distress calls and assist residents living along the riverbanks.

Rescue Operations Continue

"Our teams are responding to calls from different locations," a police official said. "Our immediate priority is to prevent further loss of life. Although property damage is extensive, the full extent of the destruction will only become clear after the floodwaters recede."

Authorities have intensified patrols in vulnerable areas and are using public address systems to urge residents living along rivers and in low-lying areas to move to safer locations immediately.

The district administration has also advised residents to remain vigilant and activated police control rooms to coordinate rescue operations and provide assistance to affected families.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been closely monitoring the evolving flood situation since Saturday night and remains in regular contact with local lawmakers, district officials and police authorities overseeing relief efforts.