Several killed in Rajouri, Poonch as flash floods hit region; Army called out for rescue operations; CM Omar flying back to Jammu from Delhi

Several people lost their lives in Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu that were hit by flash floods on Sunday. Army has been called out for the rescue and relief operations.

Several houses and vehicles were swept away with the strong currents of the flood waters.

Loss of life has been reported in Rajouri, and Haveli and Surankot areas of Poonch district.

Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha was in constant touch with the administration and keeping an eye on the rescue operations.

The LG wrote on X “I spoke to the senior officials and reviewed the situation in Rajouri and Poonch affected by incessant rain and flash floods”.

“In Rajouri, rescue teams from the civil administration, police, army, SDRF, and local volunteers are actively working on the ground. Affected families have already been moved to safety. All departments are on high alert, and they are prioritizing immediate relief and repair work. I urge residents to stay calm and follow official updates”.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of lives in Rajouri and Poonch’s Haveli and Surankote areas. My heart goes out to the grieving families. The heavy rains have also damaged several homes across Rajouri and Poonch. I have directed officials to provide immediate aid to all affected families in both districts and ensured that emergency teams remain fully prepared for any situation”, the LG wrote.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was camping at Delhi for tomorrow’s statehood protest of the National Conference, is flying back to Jammu to supervise the rescue and relief operations.

Omar wrote on X “In light of the weather warning put out by the meteorological department & 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 statehood protest will go ahead under the leadership of JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah as planned”.

Flash floods triggered by incessant overnight rain inundated parts of Rajouri town in Jammu and Kashmir early on Sunday, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate as overflowing rivers submerged low-lying areas, including the new bus stand, officials said.

Dozens of vehicles were swept away or submerged after rivers breached their banks, causing widespread disruption. Rescue and relief teams, assisted by the local administration, launched evacuation operations while officials assessed the extent of the damage.

Rajouri town was hit by flash floods following incessant overnight rainfall, forcing hundreds of residents to move to safer locations as floodwaters inundated low-lying areas, including the new bus stand early Sunday, officials said.

The Darhali River breached a flood protection wall near Bela Colony, sending floodwaters into the new bus stand where dozens of vehicles were either washed away or left submerged. The slum settlement near Abdullah Bridge was among the worst-hit areas, with more than 50 families forced to leave their homes after floodwaters entered the locality.