Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir continues to reel under the impact of heavy monsoon rainfall, which began on July 20, causing floods, landslides, and severe disruptions across the region. By Tuesday, July 22, flood-like conditions had developed in Rajouri district after a sharp rise in water levels of the Dharhali and Saktoh rivers. As a precautionary step, all schools in the district were ordered shut for the day.
In Srinagar, the Jhelum River is flowing close to danger levels, raising fears of flooding in low-lying areas of the Kashmir Valley. Landslides have also been reported from several areas, including a tragic incident in Bainch Kalsan village of Poonch district where a student lost their life and 23 others, including a teacher, were injured. Two of the injured students are in critical condition and undergoing treatment at the district hospital.
The Meteorological Department has issued red and orange alerts for multiple districts including Jammu, Rajouri, Kathua, Samba, Reasi, and towns in the Kashmir Valley like Srinagar and Anantnag. Authorities have warned of continued risk of flash floods, landslides, and road blockages, particularly along hilly routes such as the Srinagar-Jammu highway.
Himachal Pradesh has also been affected, with two people killed in a rain-triggered landslide in Chamba district on Monday when a boulder crashed into a house during a downpour.
While the heavy rainfall is expected to persist through July 23, the weather is likely to improve gradually from July 24 onwards, with showers becoming scattered and less intense.
