Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, July 10

Heavy monsoon rains lashed parts of the Pir Panjal region on Friday, disrupting normal life in Rajouri district and triggering flash floods in neighbouring Poonch, where rescue teams evacuated at least 25 people after floodwaters swept through a mountain village.

The fresh spell of intense rainfall, the second to hit Rajouri in less than a week, inundated roads, slowed traffic and raised concerns over the risk of landslides and flash floods as the monsoon gathered strength across the region.

Authorities said there were no immediate reports of fatalities, but teams were assessing damage to homes, farmland and public infrastructure after torrents of water surged through several settlements.

In Poonch district, emergency services launched a rescue operation after floodwaters entered Ari Sarhuti village in the Mendhar area following hours of heavy rainfall.

Local residents said a large volume of water rushed down from surrounding hills, inundating houses and agricultural land within minutes and forcing families to seek higher ground.

“The flow of water was sudden and extremely forceful,” a resident said, describing scenes of panic as floodwaters entered the village.

Police and civil administration officials mobilised rescue teams shortly after receiving reports of the flooding, with assistance from local volunteers and residents of neighbouring villages.

Sub-Divisional Police Officer Tauseef Rishu said 25 villagers were evacuated safely during the operation.

“The rescue teams responded immediately after information was received,” he said. “Timely intervention helped prevent any loss of life.”

Authorities said all rescued residents had been shifted to safer locations while officials continued to monitor the situation in the area.

Although no casualties were reported, civil administration officials warned that the extent of damage to private property and agricultural land was still being assessed.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Imran Rashid Kataria said revenue officials had been directed to conduct an immediate survey of losses, including damage to residential structures, crop fields and pastureland.

“We have instructed field staff to begin a comprehensive assessment,” Kataria said. “The heavy flow of water descending from the hills caused extensive disruption.”

Residents attributed the flooding to a possible cloudburst in the upper reaches, although officials had not formally confirmed the cause by late Friday.

Meanwhile, Rajouri district witnessed more than an hour of intense rainfall that submerged roads, flooded low-lying areas and disrupted traffic movement across several localities.

The downpour reduced visibility and slowed vehicular movement as rainwater accumulated on major roads, forcing commuters to exercise caution.

Several markets witnessed reduced activity as residents remained indoors while municipal authorities monitored waterlogging in vulnerable urban pockets.

The latest rainfall comes just days after another intense spell of rain affected Rajouri earlier this week, highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events during this year’s southwest monsoon.

Meteorological experts have warned that Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous districts remain particularly vulnerable during the monsoon season because of their fragile terrain, where prolonged rainfall can trigger landslides, flash floods and slope failures.

The Pir Panjal region, which includes Rajouri and Poonch districts, has witnessed repeated episodes of weather-related disruptions in recent years, with heavy rains often damaging roads, agricultural land and public infrastructure.

Authorities advised residents living near streams, rivers and landslide-prone slopes to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of intense rainfall.

Disaster management teams have also been placed on alert to respond quickly to any fresh incidents as weather conditions continue to remain unstable.

Officials said district administrations were closely monitoring rainfall patterns and river levels while coordinating with emergency response agencies to ensure timely evacuations if conditions deteriorate further.

With more rain forecast over the coming days, authorities appealed to the public to follow weather advisories, avoid crossing flooded streams and report any signs of landslides or rising water levels to local emergency services without delay.