Floods and Landslides Kill at Least 12 in Jammu and Kashmir's Border Districts Torrential rains unleashed catastrophic landslides and flash floods across the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on July 19, 2026, resulting in at least 12 deaths, several missing persons, and widespread destruction of infrastructure. The disaster prompted large-scale rescue operations as officials scrambled to address the crisis. Poonch district, located in the Pir Panjal valley, was the hardest-hit area, with flash floods sweeping away homes in Lower Murrah, Bufliaz, and Surankote tehsil. At least 16 people were feared dead in Poonch, with nine bodies recovered so far, while rescue teams worked to locate four missing civilians. The floods also devastated Rajouri and Kishtwar districts, where heavy rainfall triggered flash floods that damaged public property, washed away vehicles, and disrupted traffic due to landslides. Authorities temporarily suspended the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage in Kashmir and canceled visits to the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted prolonged rainfall. The disaster unfolded in the early hours of July 19, 2026, when Mohammad Latief, an elderly resident of Lower Muran in Surankote tehsil, attempted to move his SUV to higher ground. Moments later, a cloudburst unleashed a torrent of mud, rocks, and floodwater, collapsing his three-story house and burying eight family members beneath the rubble. Latief survived by chance, while his elder son, who was away in Jammu, escaped the tragedy.#jammu_and_kashmir #imdad #poonch_district #rajouri_district #amarnath_yatra
Persistent Rain and Snowfall Disrupt Jammu Region, School Closures Ordered Heavy rainfall and snowfall persisted across the Jammu region on April 8, 2026, with several districts experiencing light to moderate precipitation for the third consecutive day. The weather conditions, which intensified the cold, disrupted daily activities and led to widespread school closures in multiple areas. The prolonged rain and snowfall, combined with the ongoing chill, created challenging circumstances for residents and authorities. The affected districts, including Rajouri, Poonch, Kishtwar, Doda, Reasi, and parts of Udhampur, faced continuous rainfall and snowfall. In Rajouri and Poonch, moderate rain continued until Wednesday afternoon, after which no fresh rainfall was reported, though the weather remained cloudy. Meanwhile, the upper reaches of the region, such as Kishtwar and Doda, experienced fresh snowfall, exacerbating the cold and making travel conditions hazardous. The persistent precipitation and low temperatures disrupted normal life, prompting authorities to take preventive measures. As a precautionary step, government and private schools in Kishtwar, Doda, and Reasi districts were ordered to remain closed. Additionally, schools in three zones of Udhampur district were also shut down to ensure student safety. Officials cited the continuous rainfall and the potential for further weather deterioration as the primary reasons for the closures. They urged residents to exercise caution and stay updated on weather advisories. The decision to close schools followed earlier warnings about the severity of the weather conditions. Authorities emphasized that the closures were necessary to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of students.#kishtwar_district #poonch_district #rajouri_district #jammu_region #doda_district
Normal life disrupted in Pir Panjal region Heavy rainfall and snowfall persisted across Rajouri and Poonch districts of the Pir Panjal region on Thursday, with no indication of improved weather conditions. Low-lying areas faced moderate to heavy rain throughout the day, while higher elevations experienced light to moderate snowfall. The ongoing precipitation caused a significant drop in temperatures, worsening the already harsh cold in the region. The Mughal Road, a critical transportation route linking Rajouri and Poonch districts to Kashmir, remained closed to vehicle traffic. The road was shut down in the late evening on Wednesday due to adverse weather and stayed closed on Thursday. Authorities urged drivers to avoid non-essential travel and monitor official updates, as weather conditions remained unpredictable. SSP Traffic, Jammu Rural, Farooq Qaiser, informed Greater Kashmir that the Mughal Road remains closed for vehicles due to severe weather. Commuters on the road were advised not to proceed beyond Chandimarh. The Border Roads Organisation also assisted in rescuing several vehicles stranded on the road due to heavy snowfall.#mughal_road #border_roads_organisation #pir_panjal_region #rajouri_district #poonch_district
