Jammu & Kashmir Floods: Death Toll Climbs to 17 Amid Rampant Rain and Landslides

Another day, another deluge. Since early morning, relentless rain has hammered the valleys of Jammu and Kashmir, turning roads into rivers and homes into wreckage. In the districts of Rajouri and Poonch, the death toll has now risen to 17, a grim reminder that nature’s fury rarely spares anyone.

In Rajouri, the Darhali river embankment gave way under the pressure, sweeping away dozens of vehicles and flooding nearby residential colonies. Witnesses describe a terrifying scene—cars bobbing like toys, families scrambling for higher ground, and the shrill wail of sirens echoing through the night.

Just a few kilometres away, a sudden cloudburst over Surankote in Poonch unleashed flash floods that ripped through streets, leaving multiple casualties and a trail of destruction. Landslides peppered the hillsides, further complicating rescue efforts.

Authorities have acted quickly, opening the gates of the Salal Dam in Reasi to release water and issuing urgent alerts for downstream areas as the Tawi and Chenab rivers continue to swell. Police, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and regular security troops are on the ground, combing through debris, pulling out stranded motorists, and searching for the missing.

The nightmare isn’t confined to J&K. Over in Uttarakhand, heavy showers have triggered landslides, clogged roads and swollen rivers. Several rescue missions are underway there as well, and schools have been shut down while officials urge residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

As night falls, families huddle together, hoping for a break in the clouds. The outlook remains uncertain, but rescue teams say they’ll stay on alert until the waters recede and every last person is accounted for.