July 2026: Cloudbursts, flash floods, landslides claim 28 lives; damage infra

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of the most destructive spells of heavy rainfall in recent years during the first three weeks of July 2026, as repeated cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides battered large parts of the Union Territory, claiming at least 28 lives and causing widespread damage to public infrastructure and private property.

The prolonged wet spell triggered disasters across both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, severely affecting road connectivity, bridges, power supply networks, drinking water infrastructure, agricultural land and residential areas. Several people were also injured, while rescue agencies carried out operations in multiple districts to evacuate stranded families and recover victims.

Meteorological officials told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the Union Territory witnessed at least 15 to 16 cloudbursts within the first fortnight of July, an unusually high number over such a short period. The weather system remained active thereafter, with several more cloudburst incidents reported in different districts, accompanied by flash floods and landslides.

According to official reports, rain-related incidents claimed at least 28 lives, with the worst-hit districts including Poonch, Rajouri and Doda in the Jammu division. Fatalities were reported due to flash floods, landslides, house collapses and other weather-related incidents.

The impact of the extreme weather was visible across almost every district. Floodwaters damaged roads, bridges, irrigation canals and agricultural fields, while overflowing streams and nallahs inundated residential localities and washed away vital public infrastructure.

The Srinagar-Jammu national highway, the Valley’s only all-weather surface link with the rest of India, remained vulnerable throughout the period. Repeated landslides and shooting stones in Ramban district led to frequent closures, stranding passengers and disrupting the movement of essential supplies before restoration teams reopened the highway.

In Kashmir, flash floods caused extensive damage in several districts. In Beerwah, the diversion over Nallah Sukhnag was washed away after flash floods, severing road connectivity for several days before emergency restoration work restored traffic. Similar incidents of road damage, inundation and landslides were reported from Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Budgam, Anantnag, Ganderbal and other districts.

The adverse weather also affected the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Pilgrim movement remained suspended for nearly a week after continuous rainfall damaged tracks and triggered landslides. While the Baltal route has since been reopened, the traditional Pahalgam route continues to remain closed pending restoration work and safety assessments.

Power distribution systems, water supply schemes and communication infrastructure also suffered damage in several areas, leaving many localities without electricity and potable water for days. Government departments deployed men and machinery to restore essential services, repair damaged roads and clear debris from affected locations.

The India Meteorological Department issued repeated warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and cautioned about the possibility of flash floods, landslides and cloudburst-like events. Disaster response agencies, including the SDRF, NDRF, police, civil administration and local volunteers, remained engaged in rescue, relief and restoration operations across the Union Territory. [KNT]