Jammu, July 23: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Ghulam Ali Khatana had a narrow escape on Wednesday after flash floods and landslides triggered by incessant rainfall disrupted movement in Rajouri district, even as the weather continued to wreak havoc across several parts of the Union Territory.

The incident occurred while the Deputy Chief Minister and the MP were travelling through the flood-ravaged Rajouri region to review the damage caused by the recent cloudburst and flash floods. Their convoy was forced to halt after sudden landslides and overflowing streams blocked stretches of the road, prompting security personnel and the district administration to swiftly shift them to a safer location.
Officials said no injuries were reported, and both leaders resumed their visit after the road was partially cleared by emergency teams.
The Deputy Chief Minister was on a tour of the flood-hit Bella area and later chaired a high-level review meeting with district officials to assess rescue, relief and restoration efforts. He directed all departments to expedite road clearance, restore essential services, ensure uninterrupted supply of food and drinking water, and speed up rehabilitation measures for the affected population.
The close call came as heavy rains continued to batter the Jammu region, triggering fresh landslides, flash floods and waterlogging at several locations. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and a number of other roads remained affected due to mudslides and shooting stones, while rescue teams continued search operations for persons still missing in flood-hit areas.
Authorities have intensified rescue and restoration operations across the affected districts, with teams of the SDRF, NDRF, Police, Army and civil administration working round the clock to restore normalcy.
The Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall over the next 24 hours and warned of the possibility of more flash floods, landslides and rising water levels in rivers and streams. Residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in vulnerable and hilly areas, and strictly follow official advisories.
The recent spell of torrential rain has claimed several lives, damaged public infrastructure, disrupted road connectivity and affected power and drinking water supply in many parts of Jammu and Kashmir, prompting the administration to remain on high alert.