Swollen Chenab River following incessant monsoon rains, in Doda, Jammu and Kashmir, Tuesday, July 21, 2026. Continuous rainfall over the past 48 hours has led to a sharp rise in the river’s water level, prompting controlled water discharge from downstream reservoirs, including the Baglihar and Salal dams.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Jammu and Kashmir, for the third day on Tuesday (July 21, 2025), grappled with wet weather, which has triggered flash floods and landslides that has left at least 22 civilians dead and snapped the electricity supply to Poonch and Rajouri districts.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting two more days of rain, the administration has stepped up preparations to meet any eventuality. The J&K administration decided to keep all educational institutes closed till July 26. Most pilgrimages, including the Amarnath yatra, also remain suspended.
Officials said around 230 people were rescued and evacuated in Rajouri. Around 450 people are currently staying at relief centres. Out of 435 damaged roads in Rajouri and Poonch, 356 have already been restored so far, they added.
Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, who toured the worst affected areas of Rajouri and Pooch, said, “The situation is being closely monitored at the highest level from Union Home to the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister. An hourly review of the situation is being submitted.”
On electricity remaining cut off in parts of Poonch and Rajouri, Mr. Kumar said, “Rains swept away electricity towers. Efforts are on to restore electricity to Poonch and Rajouri. Once electricity is restored, affected water supply will also resume.”
He said the administration has set up control rooms in the wake of fresh prediction of rains. “We advise people to follow guidelines and report to control rooms in case of any eventuality. People should avoid low lying and sliding areas,” Mr. Kumar said.
At least 22 people are reported dead and many missing after flash floods hit parts of Rajouri and Poonch. Operations to trace missing civilians continued on Tuesday (July 21), officials said.
“Many families have lost their family members, several people are missing and people have suffered heavy losses to their homes, farmlands, and livelihoods. Primary focus now should be to search for the missing people and to ensure that immediate relief reaches every affected household without delay,” said Mian Altaf, National Conference leader and Member of Parliament.
He said the devastation caused in Poonch “was deeply concerning”. “I urge the government to intensify efforts for rescue and search operations and ensure relief and rehabilitation for affected families and immediate restoration of damaged roads, water supply schemes, and power infrastructure,” said Mr. Altaf.
In Kashmir, Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg, reviewed the flood protection and mitigation measures. He also visited Mata Kulwagishori Temple at Bungam and Mata Katyani Temple at Kakran to review the arrangements for the smooth and successful conduct of the upcoming Annual Maha Yagya.
“Decisions on the Amarnath Yatra will continue to be taken strictly in accordance with IMD weather advisories,” said Mr. Garg. Meanwhile, flash floods on Tuesday hit civilian areas of south and central Kashmir.
Published – July 22, 2026 05:30 am IST
