Srinagar, Jammu: Nine people were killed in separate rain-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, including seven members of two families who died after a flash flood and landslide buried a house in Poonch district and two persons killed when shooting stones struck a passenger bus in Doda district, officials said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex gratia of Rs 6 lakh for the next of kin of each person killed in the rain-related incidents in Rajouri and Poonch, comprising Rs 4 lakh from the SDRF and Rs 2 lakh from the CMRF.
The fresh deaths came as search operations continued for those missing in Sunday’s devastating flash floods, taking the overall death toll from the two-day spell of heavy rain, flash floods and landslides in the Union Territory to 21, officials said.
The latest tragedy struck the DomailDhok area of Loran in Poonch district, where a residential house was buried under debris after a flash flood and landslide triggered by heavy rainfall.
The deceased were identified as Zaida Begum (35), wife of Mohammad Rafiq and a resident of Lopadi, Loran; her son Adnan Rafiq (4); daughter Irzaa (2); Shamim Akhter, wife of Rayaz Ahmad; Tanvir (22), son of Ghulam Mohammad; Irfan (22), son of Subhan Dar; and Sabina (30), wife of Abdul Majid.
Police, SDRF and local rescue teams rushed to the spot and retrieved all the bodies from the debris.
“Police are on the spot, and further details are being ascertained,” an official said.
Officials said that the latest fatalities came a day after 12 people were killed in flash floods and other rain-related incidents in Poonch and Rajouri districts on Sunday, raising the overall death toll from the ongoing spell of inclement weather to 19.
Search operations continued on Monday at multiple locations along the Suran river in Surankote to trace people who went missing during Sunday’s flash floods.
Officials said teams of the police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies were carrying out coordinated searches despite difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
“All available resources have been deployed to trace the missing persons, and the operation will continue until everyone is accounted for,” an official said.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the tragic landslide in Poonch had claimed seven precious lives. “I express my deepest condolences to the bereaved families during this difficult time,” Sinha said in a post on X. He said senior officials had been directed to extend immediate relief and all necessary assistance to the affected families.
CM Omar Abdullah, announcing an ex gratia, said, “While no amount of financial assistance can ever compensate for the irreparable loss of life caused by yesterday’s flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents in Poonch and Rajouri, we are announcing an ex gratia relief of Rs 6 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased as an immediate measure of support.”
He directed the district administration to ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation of affected families and asked all departments to work in coordination to restore essential services and expedite relief measures.
Meanwhile, two persons were killed and several others injured after shooting stones hit a passenger bus and multiple vehicles at Raggi Nallah in Doda district on Monday.
Officials said continuous rainfall triggered a slide of stones and debris, damaging several vehicles. The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway was closed due to mudslides and continuous shooting stones, while restoration work was underway. Authorities advised commuters to avoid unnecessary travel until the road was declared safe.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu Bhim Sen Tuti visited the flood-affected Bella area of Rajouri district to assess the situation in the aftermath of recent flash floods.
The senior officers reviewed the ongoing relief and restoration works, including road clearance and restoration of essential services, and directed the concerned departments to expedite the process to restore normalcy at the earliest, officials said.
They also visited the Relief and Rehabilitation Centre at the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Rajouri, where they interacted with affected families and assured them of all possible assistance from the administration.
Later, the officers chaired a review meeting with district officials to assess the response measures, ensure better coordination among departments and identify vulnerable areas for timely evacuation in the event of future emergencies, they added.
In north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, back-to-back cloudbursts struck the Tulail Valley area of Gurez on Sunday, triggering flash floods that damaged the Dawar-Tulail road and affected Burnai, Zadigey and Charwan villages.
Tehsildar Tulail Javid Ahmad said flash floods and debris damaged several stretches of the road, forcing authorities to suspend vehicular movement for several hours. Around 50 to 60 vehicles carrying tourists and local residents remained stranded during the closure.
“In Zadigey village, one cowshed was damaged and four goats were killed in the flash floods. Floodwaters also entered several residential houses, causing damage to property,” Ahmad said.
He said no loss of human life or injuries were reported in the cloudburst incidents.
The official said a locally deployed earthmoving machine was used to clear the debris, enabling authorities to evacuate the stranded vehicles after the road was made temporarily passable.
Officials said damage assessment was underway while the situation continued to be monitored.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir is likely to witness widespread moderate to heavy rainfall over the next 48 hours as an approaching western disturbance interacts with the active monsoon system, significantly increasing the risk of flash floods, landslides and cloudbursts across the Union Territory, according to a weather forecast of Kashmir Weather.
The forecast said a surge of monsoon moisture is expected to reach Jammu and Kashmir from Monday night, with the interaction between the western disturbance and monsoon winds likely to enhance rainfall intensity in both the Jammu and Kashmir regions.
The most intense weather activity is expected during the next two days, although intermittent showers may continue later this week, it said.
Jammu region is likely to receive heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with a high possibility of flash floods, overflowing streams and nallahs, and landslides in vulnerable areas. Water levels in major rivers are also expected to rise rapidly and may approach or cross danger levels at some places, depending on the distribution of rainfall.
In Kashmir, widespread moderate to heavy rainfall with isolated spells of very heavy rain is forecast. The advisory warned of a very high risk of flash floods, particularly in hilly and mountainous areas, while localized cloudbursts cannot be ruled out.
It said water levels in tributaries such as the Lidder and Vishow nallahs, as well as the Jhelum river, are expected to rise significantly, warranting close monitoring.
People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel through landslide-prone areas and remain alert near streams, nallahs and other vulnerable locations. Frequent thunderstorms accompanied by lightning are also likely during the period, the forecast added.
Furthermore, political parties across Jammu and Kashmir condoled the loss of lives in the rain-related incidents and urged the administration to ensure swift rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures for the affected families.
The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) issued a public safety advisory and placed its field machinery on high alert following the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
The utility warned that adverse weather could damage power infrastructure, including overhead lines, transformers and electric poles, and said temporary power shutdowns may be required to ensure public safety. It advised people to stay away from damaged electrical installations, avoid waterlogged areas with power infrastructure and immediately report snapped wires or leaning poles. Emergency response teams have been mobilised to ensure prompt restoration of essential services

Srinagar: Continuing his close monitoring of the situation arising from the recent heavy rains across Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday chaired another high-level review meeting through video conference from New Delhi to assess restoration works, relief measures and overall preparedness across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting comprehensively reviewed the latest ground situation, including restoration of essential services, road connectivity, availability of food and other essential supplies, healthcare arrangements, relief operations and the preparedness of all departments in view of continuing adverse weather conditions.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister was informed that restoration of power supply in Poonch district is progressing on a war footing and is expected to be completed by tomorrow evening. He directed the Power Development Department to ensure that restoration works are completed within the stipulated timeline and that any remaining issues are addressed without delay.
The status of roads affected due to landslides, flash floods and heavy rainfall also came under review. Stressing the importance of restoring connectivity at the earliest, the Chief Minister instructed the concerned departments to expedite restoration works, particularly on roads critical for movement of people, relief operations and essential services.
Emphasising the need for continued vigilance, the Chief Minister directed the district administrations to maintain focused attention on vulnerable habitations and take all necessary measures to safeguard residents living in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas. He instructed officers to use historical flood data to identify high-risk locations along rivers and streams and ensure timely evacuation wherever the need arises.
The Chief Minister further ordered strict regulation of traffic movement on landslide and shooting-stone-prone stretches to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure public safety.
He also directed the administration to ensure uninterrupted availability of food grains, medicines, drinking water and other essential commodities in affected areas. Stressing the importance of preparedness, he instructed that adequate stocks be maintained and advance distribution of rations be undertaken wherever continued rainfall may disrupt road connectivity.
Expressing concern over the widespread waterlogging witnessed in several parts of Srinagar city following Monday’s rainfall, the Chief Minister directed the concerned departments, including the Srinagar Municipal Corporation, to adopt a proactive approach in preventing urban flooding. He instructed that men, machinery and dewatering pumps be pre-positioned at identified vulnerable locations to ensure swift drainage of accumulated rainwater and restoration of normal public movement.
Reviewing the situation in Kashmir Division, the Divisional Commissioner informed the meeting that despite heavy rainfall, the overall situation remained under control and essential infrastructure, including roads and drinking water supply, continued to function normally. He said migratory families residing in vulnerable areas had been shifted to safer locations. In view of the forecast of intense rainfall across South Kashmir tomorrow, advance warnings have already been issued and the entire administrative machinery has been mobilised to respond promptly to any eventuality.
Briefing the meeting on Jammu Division, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu stated that major road stretches damaged during yesterday’s rains have been restored, while work is continuing on a war footing to repair power transmission lines and restore drinking water supply, particularly in Poonch district. He informed that additional doctors, including gynaecologists, are being deployed to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services in remote areas. Relief centres providing food, drinking water and medicines are fully operational, while the process for disbursement of the Chief Minister’s ex gratia relief announced earlier Monday has already commenced. He further informed that allocation of essential supplies, including three months’ food grains, is being processed on priority, petroleum supplies are being closely monitored and restoration of mobile connectivity across affected areas is progressing steadily.
Providing a technical assessment, the Jal Shakti Department informed the meeting that localized damage has been reported to water supply infrastructure and irrigation channels in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Poonch and Rajouri districts. Restoration works are being carried out on a war footing, with adequate manpower, machinery and field response teams deployed across vulnerable locations in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions to restore water supply and irrigation facilities at the earliest.
The Chief Minister also directed all departments to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, closely monitor weather forecasts and remain fully prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging situation. He instructed the Divisional Commissioners to submit detailed situation reports every six hours to the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction to facilitate continuous monitoring and timely decision-making.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister reiterated that the safety and well-being of the people remain the Government’s highest priority. He directed the administration to act proactively, efficiently and with empathy so that no citizen suffers during this critical period, while ensuring speedy restoration of essential services, timely relief to affected families and effective preparedness to deal with any further weather-related challenges.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo and Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretaries, Commissioner Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners and senior officers from key infrastructure departments and other concerned agencies.

Srinagar/New Delhi :The ruling National Conference (NC) on Monday intensified its campaign for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood by staging a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, led by party president Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
The demonstration, attended by senior NC leaders, legislators and workers, sought fulfillment of the Centre’s assurance to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Similar protests were also held across several districts of the Union Territory in support of the demand.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the protest was aimed at reminding the Union Government of the commitments made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court regarding the restoration of statehood.
He said the National Conference would continue its democratic struggle until the promise was fulfilled. Omar reiterated that restoring statehood remained the party’s immediate priority and reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing other constitutional and political issues through democratic means.
The protest in New Delhi was led by National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament from both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, MLAs, senior party leaders, office-bearers, and representatives of the Youth and Women’s Wings.
During the protest, Delhi Police imposed restrictions on the demonstrators and also resorted to tear gas shelling. Protesters carried placards demanding the restoration of the rights and dignity of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, the restoration of statehood, and the fulfillment of commitments made by the Central Government.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Farooq Abdullah said that the party had assembled in the national capital to seek the restoration of the rights, dignity and honour of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, along with the full restoration of statehood.
He said they had come to remind the Central Government of the promises made by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister. He noted that these assurances had also been made before Parliament, the Supreme Court and the people of Jammu & Kashmir, and stressed that the time had come for those promises to be honoured.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the delegation had travelled to the country’s capital to peacefully demand what rightfully belongs to the people of Jammu & Kashmir, but regretted that even peaceful protest was not being permitted.
He said democratic rights were being curtailed, adding that the party had intended to stage a peaceful sit-in at Jantar Mantar to remind the Central Government of its commitment, made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court, to restore Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood soon after the Assembly elections.
He further stated that the Supreme Court had directed that the restoration of statehood should take place at the earliest. If the Government did not intend to comply with the Court’s observations, it should state so openly, he said, instead of repeatedly assuring that statehood would be restored at an “appropriate time” without ever defining what that appropriate time was.
CM Omar said that because Jammu & Kashmir lies far from the political centre of the country, its concerns often fail to receive adequate national attention, compelling the party to come to New Delhi to remind the Government of its commitments. He added that despite facing restrictions and tear gas, the National Conference remained committed to pursuing its demands through peaceful and democratic means.
Meanwhile, a separate programme in support of the restoration of the rights of the people of Jammu & Kashmir and the restoration of statehood was held at the National Conference Headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha Complex, Srinagar. The programme was chaired by Srinagar District President PirAfaq Ahmad and attended by party office-bearers, workers and people from different walks of life.
At the conclusion of the programme, participants took out a peaceful protest march in support of their demands. However, the march was stopped from proceeding further by a heavy deployment of police and security personnel, preventing the procession from moving along its designated route.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary termed the protest a democratic exercise to press for the restoration of statehood and said the people of Jammu and Kashmir were awaiting implementation of the promise.
The protest also received support from leaders of the Congress and CPI(M), who backed the demand for the restoration of statehood.
Throughout the demonstration, NC leaders and workers carried placards and raised slogans seeking the restoration of full statehood, with the party announcing that its campaign would continue until the demand is met.

Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed an unprecedented spell of extreme weather this month so far, with more than 20 cloudbursts reported across the Union Territory, triggering flash floods, landslides and widespread destruction that have claimed several lives and damaged public infrastructure.
Officials said that at least 15 cloudbursts were reported during the first 14 days of July, affecting several parts of Kashmir and the Jammu region. The worst-hit areas included the Tulail Valley and Gurez in North Kashmir, besides the upper reaches of Thathri and the Bhalesa in Doda district.
“The weather activity intensified further over the weekend, with at least two major cloudbursts striking Chasoti in Kishtwar and Kathua districts, while multiple cloudbursts were also reported from the PirPanjal districts of Poonch and Rajouri,” they said, adding, “The cloudbursts triggered flash floods and mudslides, resulting in multiple fatalities in Kathua, Kishtwar, Poonch and Rajouri, besides leaving several people missing, officials said.
The disasters also caused extensive damage to infrastructure, with more than 100 houses damaged, bridges washed away and several roads, including stretches of the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway, affected by floods and landslides.”
Pertinently, continuous spell of inclement weather has also forced authorities to temporarily suspend the Amarnath Yatra and pilgrimages to the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines as a precautionary measure.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rainfall over the next two days, prompting authorities to maintain a high alert across vulnerable districts and advise people to avoid travel through landslide-prone areas

Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Monday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the implementation of the recommendations put forth by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) for further improving and upgrading the facilities at the Amarnath Yatra Base Camps and Transit Camps, stretching from Lakhanpur to the Holy Cave Shrine. The recommendations were based on extensive ground assessments carried out by the CAPF teams during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra-2026.
The meeting was attended by senior officers from the Civil Administration, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and the security establishment, including Administrative Secretaries, senior officers of the Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), BRO/BEACON, Heads of Departments, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police of the concerned districts, Director, Information, besides other senior officers.
During the meeting Chief Secretary thoroughly reviewed recommendations made by Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, CEO of SASB, based on reports from CAPF teams. Administrative Secretaries and Deputy Commissioners presented the current status of implementing these recommendations, detailing actions taken and timelines for outstanding tasks. The recommendations aimed to enhance the safety, convenience, and overall experience of pilgrims, focusing on upgrading accommodation and basic amenities at Base and Transit Camps, improving sanitation and hygiene, and strengthening disaster preparedness through better firefighting measures and waterproofing of tents. Additionally, the meeting addressed the maintenance of hygienic conditions in community kitchens, washrooms, and bathing facilities, as well as improvements to drainage systems and electrical safety in camp infrastructure. The Chief Secretary highlighted the importance of effective queue management, traffic regulation, and the provision of additional rain shelters along the Yatra route to enhance pilgrim comfort. He underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of pilgrims, directing all relevant departments to critically assess and swiftly implement the recommendations. The Chief Secretary also called for close coordination among departments and regular monitoring of progress to ensure that any issues identified during the current Yatra are resolved before the next pilgrimage season.