11 dead, several missing as flash floods and landslides ravage Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch, Rajouri

Swollen rivers burst their banks within minutes, inundating low-lying areas, washing away homes and vehicles, and leaving widespread destruction in their wake.

Rescue teams from multiple agencies have been deployed as authorities continue to search for the missing.

Flash floods leave trail of destruction

The heavy rainfall caused major rivers, including the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola, to swell beyond the danger mark, flooding residential areas and forcing hundreds of families to move to safer locations.

The new bus stand suffered extensive damage, while dozens of vehicles were swept away or submerged in floodwaters.

Authorities also recovered the body of a woman who had gone missing during the floods.

Families buried, homes washed away

Officials said five bodies were recovered from debris as search operations continued for those still missing.

In Sangla village, four members of a family—Abdul Hameed, his wife Sharifa Begum, daughter Areeba and sister Manira Begum—went missing after their house was washed away by flash floods.

Among the confirmed victims was 28-year-old Nazia Kousar, who died after her house collapsed in Noonabandi village.

Shahzaib Ahmad, 22, was killed when his house collapsed in Sanglani-Surankote, while a minor girl, Iram, drowned in a stream at Marhote.

Officials also recovered the body of an unidentified woman from a stream near the Dhundak Lathoong bridge.

In Poonch district's Haveli tehsil, one person was killed and another critically injured after nearly half a dozen houses collapsed.

Another woman's body was recovered from a river in Rajouri town, where flash floods inundated large parts of the town following incessant overnight rainfall.

Massive rescue operation underway

Rescue and relief teams, assisted by the local administration, worked through the night to evacuate stranded residents and shift families to safer locations.

Authorities have activated the police control room to coordinate emergency response and monitor the evolving situation.

Omar Abdullah assures full support

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had been closely monitoring the situation in Rajouri and surrounding areas since early Sunday morning.

He said he was in constant touch with local legislators and stressed that saving lives remained the government's top priority.

The chief minister assured that all possible assistance would be provided to families affected by the flash floods and heavy rainfall.

Heavy rain alert till July 23

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid flood-prone areas and follow official advisories, while control rooms have been set up to respond to emergencies as the wet spell continues.