Jammu and Kashmir is currently facing the worst impact of the monsoon season. Continuous heavy rainfall has disrupted life, particularly in Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and surrounding mountainous areas. Flash floods, landslides, and mountain debris have disrupted road connectivity in many areas, while many villages have been cut off from district headquarters. According to the latest information, at least 11 people have died so far, and many are reported missing. The administration is continuing its search for the missing.
Due to continuous rains, rivers and streams are in spate, low lying areas are flooded and many houses, bridges and roads have been damaged. National and local routes have been disrupted due to landslides at many places. The administration has appealed to the people to avoid unnecessary travel and stay at safe places. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert of heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir for the next few days. According to the Meteorological Department, due to active monsoon, there is a possibility of heavy rains, thunderstorms, strong winds and flash floods and landslides in the hilly areas. That is why special vigil is being maintained in sensitive areas. In view of the severe rain situation, the administration has temporarily suspended the Amarnath Yatra and Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra for safety reasons. Pilgrims have been accommodated at safe locations, and a decision on resuming the Yatra will be taken only after the weather normalizes. In view of the gravity of the situation, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir held an emergency meeting with senior officials to review the relief and rescue operations. The Chief Minister has also given instructions to leave his scheduled program and assess the situation in the affected areas. All district administrations have been ordered to remain vigilant 24 hours a day and take immediate action in case of any disaster. The Central Government is also keeping a close watch on the entire development. Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir to review the situation and assured all possible assistance from the Central Government. Preparations have also been made to send additional relief and rescue teams if required. The disaster management machinery has been fully activated. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Police, Army and local administration are jointly carrying out relief and rescue operations. People from flood-affected areas are being evacuated to safer places. Relief camps have been set up and arrangements for food, drinking water, medicines and essential supplies are being made. In areas where road connectivity has been disrupted, alternative routes and emergency resources are being used. The Meteorological Department has predicted that the weather in Jammu and Kashmir may remain challenging for the next 48 to 72 hours. Heavy rains are likely to continue in many districts, posing a risk of flash floods, landslides, rock falls and rising river levels. The administration has advised local citizens and tourists to avoid going near river banks and streams, follow official weather warnings and travel only when absolutely necessary. As per the official information available at present, no integrated final rainfall data has been released for the entire Jammu and Kashmir. Excessive rainfall recorded in various districts has led to severe situations like flash floods and landslides. Detailed district-wise official rainfall data is likely to be released separately by the Meteorological Department.