Residents look at damaged vehicles after flash flood and landslide triggered by heavy rains wreaked havoc at Rajouri.
\| Photo Credit: AFP
Seven people, including four women and two children from a family, were killed in a landslide in Poonch district, while three others died in separate shooting-stone incidents in Doda district after another spell of heavy rain lashed Jammu and Kashmir on Monday (July 20, 2026), taking the death toll from rain-related incidents in the past 24 hours to 21.
Officials said a landslide and flash floods hit Domail Dhok Nandichool in the Loran area of Poonch late on Sunday night (July 19). Seven people, including two children and four women, were buried under the debris when the landslide hit their house. All the bodies were retrieved after a day-long rescue operation.
“The J\&K Police actively participated in the rescue operation at Domail Dhok after a tragic landslide hit a mud house, claiming seven lives. Rescue efforts are continuing in coordination with all agencies concerned,” said a police spokesman.
*Jammu and Kashmir rains updates on July 19*
A fresh spell of rain lashed parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday (July 20) morning. According to the Meteorological Department, parts of J\&K will witness “intense weather over the next 48 hours”. The authorities have issued advisories for all hilly areas, warning people to stay away from streams and landslide-prone areas.
The flash floods and landslides also disrupted water and electricity supplies in Poonch. Chairing a review meeting, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said restoration of power supply in the district “is progressing on a war footing and is expected to be completed by tomorrow evening”.
In the Chenab Valley’s Doda district, three persons were killed in separate shooting-stone incidents at Raggi Nallah and Jathi Ganika. Officials said six others were injured.
Mr. Abdullah announced an ex gratia payment of ₹6 lakh to the next of kin of each person who died in the rain-related incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts in the past 24 hours. “While no amount of financial assistance can compensate for the irreparable loss suffered by the affected families, the government stands firmly with them during this difficult time,” he said.
In view of the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds, the Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), issued a comprehensive advisory for the public and directed all field functionaries to remain on high alert to safeguard public life, protect electrical infrastructure and ensure continuity of essential power supply services.
Published - July 20, 2026 09:51 am IST