RAJOURI (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 23: Three consecutive days of relentless heavy rainfall have unleashed widespread havoc across the Jammu and Kashmir region, particularly in the Kalakote division of Rajouri district. The incessant downpour has triggered numerous landslides, resulting in significant damage to houses, extensive road blockades, and a tragic loss of life.
Authorities are working tirelessly to manage the escalating crisis. The Assistant Development Commissioner (ADC) of Kalakote, Tanveer Hussain Khan, reported that emergency response teams are operating around the clock to address the dire situation. As a precautionary measure, all schools, both government and private, in the Rajouri district have remained closed for a second consecutive day due, underscoring the severity of the weather conditions.
Rajouri district has been particularly vulnerable to flash floods and landslides, prompting immediate action from local authorities. Control rooms have been established across the district to provide emergency assistance to affected residents. Furthermore, advisories have been issued urging residents to remain indoors and strictly avoid traveling through areas prone to landslides to ensure their safety.
ADC Kalakote, Tanveer Hussain Khan, provided an update on the ground situation: “Today it is raining for the third consecutive day. People have suffered heavy losses. At least 25 houses have been damaged. We have evacuated people to safer locations. As it is a hilly area so people have suffered massive losses due to landslides. BRO (Border Roads Organisation) is working to mitigate the damage to roads. We have created rehabilitation centres at Kalakote. Schools are closed for the second consecutive day.”
A local resident expressed the community’s distress, highlighting the plight of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. “There are many poor people who have suffered losses. After the landslide, the debris has fallen on shops. Government should give compensation to victims,” he urged, appealing for immediate government assistance.
Tragic Fatalities Reported Across J&K Districts
The monsoon’s fury has also claimed lives in separate incidents across the region.
Earlier on Wednesday morning, two laborers tragically lost their lives, and another sustained serious injuries, in a landslide that occurred in the Badora area, which falls under the Mahore sub-division of Reasi district. Jammu and Kashmir police confirmed the incident, stating that the landslide struck around 2 AM when the three men, including a JCB machine operator, were sleeping in a tent at a construction site. This site was related to the preparations for a religious event at the Badora Shiva Cave pilgrimage. The sudden deluge of earth and debris buried their tent.
The deceased have been identified as Ravi Kumar (23), son of Parshotam Kumar, a resident of Tehsil Channi in Udhampur district, and Rashpal Singh (26), son of Soba Ram, a resident of Tuli Kalaban, Tehsil Chassana, Reasi district. The injured laborer was immediately transported to Mahore Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment.
This incident follows another tragedy on July 21, when a young student lost his life after a landslide in Poonch. Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad, Medical Officer, confirmed the fatality and other injuries at the district hospital. “In Bainch, an unfortunate incident occurred at school, resulting in injuries from a landslide. A total of five children were injured. One 5-year-old child was brought in dead, while the other 4 had minor injuries and were currently under observation,” Dr. Ahmad stated. He added that a teacher was also injured but is in stable condition. “The injured children are stable, and their injuries are being monitored. The teacher was also injured, but is stable. All are under observation, and if any further treatment or referral is needed, we will handle it accordingly,” he assured.
The ongoing heavy rainfall has led to flood-like situations in rivers like Dharhali and Saktoh in Rajouri, disrupting normal life and causing waterlogging in low-lying areas. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with forecasts indicating persistent rainfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir.