Jammu and Kashmir grapples weather fury for third day, civilian infrastructure massively damaged

Jammu and Kashmir grappled with wet weather for the third day on Tuesday (July 21, 2025), triggering flash floods and landslides that killed at least 22 civilians and disrupted power supply to Poonch and Rajouri districts.

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting two more days of rain, the administration has stepped up its preparations against any eventuality. The J&K administration has decided to keep all educational institutions closed until July 26. Most pilgrimages, including the Amarnath yatra, have also been suspended.

Authorities said around 230 people were rescued and evacuated in Rajouri. Approximately 450 people are currently staying in relief centres. They added that out of 435 damaged roads in Rajouri and Poonch, 356 have been restored so far.

Jammu District Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, who toured the worst-affected districts of Rajouri and Pooch, said: “The situation is being closely monitored at the highest level, from Union Home to the Lieutenant Governor to the Chief Minister. An hourly review of the situation is being provided.”

Regarding the power outage in parts of Poonch and Rajouri, Mr. Kumar said: “Rains have washed away the power towers. Efforts are on to restore power to Poonch and Rajouri. Once power is restored, the affected water supply will also resume.”

He said that the administration has set up control rooms after new rainfall forecasts. “We advise people to follow the rules and contact control rooms in any situation. People should avoid low-lying and slippery areas,” Mr. Kumar said.

At least 22 people were reported dead and many missing in the floods that hit parts of Rajouri and Poonch. Officials said that operations to track down missing civilians continued on Tuesday, July 21.

“Many families have lost family members, many people are missing and people have suffered heavy losses to their homes, farmland and livelihoods. The primary focus now must be on searching for missing persons and ensuring that emergency aid reaches every affected household without delay,” said National Conference leader and Member of Parliament Mian Altaf.

He said the devastation in Poonch was “deeply worrying”. “I call on the government to intensify efforts for rescue and search operations, provide relief and rehabilitation to affected families, and immediate repair of damaged roads, water supply schemes and energy infrastructure,” Mr. Altaf said.

In Kashmir, District Commissioner Anshul Garg reviewed flood protection and mitigation measures. He also visited Mata Kulwagishori Temple in Bungam and Mata Katyani Temple in Kakran to review the arrangements for smooth and successful conduct of the upcoming Annual Maha Yagya.

“Decisions regarding Amarnath Yatra will continue to be taken strictly in accordance with IMD weather advisories,” Mr. Garg said. Meanwhile, flash floods hit civilian areas in southern and central Kashmir on Tuesday.