Flash Floods in J&K's Rajouri: Hundreds Evacuated as Rivers Rise
Heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in Rajouri town, Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, forcing hundreds of residents to move to safer locations. The flooding, which followed incessant rain from Saturday evening, inundated low-lying areas including the new bus stand, officials said.
Several rivers, including the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh, and Jamola, overflowed, with water levels approaching or exceeding danger marks. The Darhali River breached a flood protection wall near Bela Colony, sending water into the bus stand where dozens of vehicles were swept away or submerged.
Rescue teams from the local administration and police are evacuating affected families and assessing damage. More than 50 families fled their homes in a slum settlement near Abdullah Bridge after floodwaters entered. Police responded to distress calls and helped residents move away from riverbanks.
Rajouri MLA Iftkhar Ahmad, a Congress representative, cut short his participation in a party protest in Jammu to return to his constituency. He said there was heavy damage to public and private property and urged the district administration to launch immediate relief and rehabilitation measures.
A police official said: 'Our teams are responding to almost every SOS call. At this stage, our priority is to prevent any loss of life. While there has been significant damage to property, the extent of the losses will be assessed once the floodwaters recede.'
The district administration issued an advisory urging residents to remain vigilant. Police set up control rooms to monitor the situation and assist those affected. A weather advisory warned of moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23.
