*Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Rajouri*

Jammu, July 19 : Flash floods triggered by heavy overnight rainfall wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district on Sunday, sweeping away vehicles, damaging public infrastructure and inundating several low-lying areas, officials said.

They said the Shri Shiv Khori Yatra in neighbouring Reasi district was also suspended as a precaution amid continuing adverse weather.

Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that intense overnight rainfall caused a sudden surge in the water level of rivers and streams, with the Darhali River flowing through Rajouri town crossing the danger mark and inundating residential and commercial areas.

They said the flash floods caused extensive damage to the newly constructed bus stand at Bela, where several parked vehicles were washed away by the strong currents. Municipal infrastructure, along with a number of residential and commercial buildings, also suffered damage.

Dozens of families living in vulnerable localities were shifted to safer places as the district administration launched rescue and relief operations and sounded a high alert across the district.

Officials said the body of a woman who had gone missing in the flash floods was recovered during the rescue operation.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Manoj Sinha said he had spoken to senior officials and reviewed the flood situation in Rajouri and Poonch.

In a post on X, the LG said, “I spoke to the senior officials and reviewed the situation in Rajouri and Poonch affected by incessant rain and flash floods.”

He said, “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.”

The tweet further reads: “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.”

Meanwhile, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah said he had been closely monitoring the situation since early Sunday morning and remained in constant touch with local legislators and the civil administration.

“The first priority of the administration is to safeguard precious lives. The government will do everything possible to aid and assist affected people who have suffered property loss and damage due to the rains and flash floods,” Omar said in a post on X.

The Chief Minister also said will be cutting short his visit to Delhi and would return to Jammu to personally monitor the situation.

“In light of the weather warning issued by the Meteorological Department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of the 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,” he said in another post on X.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, ordered the temporary suspension of the Shri Shiv Khori Yatra in Reasi district in view of the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy rainfall and the prevailing adverse weather conditions at Ransoo, the base camp of the shrine.

According to official weather data, Rajouri and Reasi districts recorded more than 100 mm of rainfall during the past 24 hours. The Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated extremely heavy spells, across the Jammu region over the next few days.—(KNO)