Heavy Rain Causes Disruption and Tragedy in Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi, India Jul 26, 2026 ALN: Heavy Rain Causes Disruption and Tragedy in Jammu and Kashmir

Woman dies in house collapse, several roads shut
MeT warns of more rain, flash floods, landslides

Srinagar: Heavy rainfall lashed several parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, triggering landslides, flash flood concerns, and a house collapse that claimed the life of a woman in Rajouri district, while disrupting road connectivity across the Union Territory. The intense weather conditions have raised alarms among local authorities and residents alike, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters during the monsoon season.

A 45-year-old woman was killed and two of her family members injured after a portion of their concrete house collapsed in Bhatian village of Thanamandi in Rajouri amid incessant rainfall, officials said. The deceased was identified as Shahida Parveen, wife of Abdul Rehman. Her husband, Abdul Rehman (62), and son Toufeeq Rehman (25) sustained injuries and were shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) Associated Hospital, Rajouri, where they are undergoing treatment. This tragic incident underscores the potential dangers posed by heavy rains, particularly in regions where infrastructure may not be adequately equipped to handle extreme weather conditions.

Officials told KNO that the family was trapped under the debris after the house caved in. Residents rushed to the spot and rescued the victims before they were taken to the hospital. The quick response from local residents likely saved the lives of the injured family members, showcasing the community's solidarity in times of crisis. However, the loss of Shahida Parveen serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with heavy rainfall, particularly in areas prone to landslides and structural failures.

Continuous rain also triggered multiple landslides across the Jammu region, affecting road connectivity. A major landslide blocked the Thathri-Kilhotran Road at Bhamoon Battis in Doda district, leaving commuters stranded on both sides. The administration launched restoration work to clear the debris, though locals alleged delays in road clearance operations. The challenges of clearing landslides are compounded by the ongoing rain, which can lead to further instability in the already compromised areas.

On the Mughal Road, multiple landslides were reported due to the persistent rainfall. However, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) carried out clearance operations but the road remained closed for traffic. The Mughal Road is a crucial route that connects the Kashmir Valley with the Jammu region, and its closure can significantly impact the movement of goods and people. This disruption not only affects daily commuters but can also hinder the delivery of essential supplies, particularly in remote areas.

In Jammu city, the water level in the Tawi River rose following continuous rainfall, prompting authorities to closely monitor the situation. The rising water levels can pose a serious threat to nearby settlements, especially if the rains continue unabated. Authorities often prepare for potential evacuations and emergency measures in anticipation of flooding, which can devastate local communities.

Meanwhile, search operations entered the sixth consecutive day for Abdul Ghani, an employee of the Jal Shakti Department who was washed away during the July 19 flash floods in Rajouri district. Joint teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and district police continued manual and machinery-assisted searches in flooded river stretches to trace the missing employee. The prolonged search efforts reflect the commitment of local authorities to locate missing persons, yet they also highlight the ongoing risks associated with extreme weather events.

Officials said Ghani was posted at a water supply pumping station in Behrote village of Thanamandi when flash floods swept away the pumping room, leaving him missing since the incident. The loss of Ghani has been deeply felt within the community, particularly among his colleagues and family, who continue to hope for a positive outcome despite the challenging circumstances.

The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), which was briefly affected by landslides and shooting stones in Ramban district, was reopened after restoration teams cleared the debris. Light motor vehicles were allowed to ply in both directions, while the movement of heavy vehicles was being regulated depending on road and weather conditions. The reopening of NH-44 is critical for maintaining supply chains and facilitating travel between major urban centers in the region, but the intermittent closures due to landslides highlight the precarious nature of road safety during the monsoon.

According to the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, rainfall was recorded across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir during the day. Rajouri received 39 mm of rainfall, Ramban 43.5 mm, Katra 36.2 mm, Reasi 32 mm, Jammu 22 mm, and Baramulla 20.5 mm, among other places. These figures demonstrate the widespread impact of the rainfall, with various districts experiencing significant precipitation that can lead to flash floods and landslides.

The wet weather also led to a sharp drop in day temperatures. Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 21.5 degrees Celsius, 8.4 degrees below normal, while Kupwara was 10 degrees below normal at 21.1 degrees Celsius. Jammu recorded a maximum of 27.2 degrees Celsius. The sudden temperature drop can have various effects on local agriculture and daily life, as residents adjust to cooler conditions.

The Meteorological Department has forecast intermittent spells of rain and thundershowers across Jammu and Kashmir over the next five days, with the possibility of heavy rainfall at isolated places in the Jammu division between July 28 and 31. This forecast raises concerns about further incidents of flooding and landslides, as the region grapples with the aftermath of the current weather patterns. Authorities are likely to remain on high alert, monitoring river levels and weather conditions closely.

It has also warned of flash floods, landslides, and mudslides at vulnerable locations and advised the public, tourists, and transporters to follow official advisories. The potential for further weather-related disasters emphasizes the importance of preparedness and community resilience in the face of natural calamities. Local governments and disaster response teams are likely to engage in outreach efforts to educate residents about safety measures and emergency protocols in light of the ongoing weather challenges.