Srinagar, July 26: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of its worst spells of monsoon related disasters in recent years during the first three weeks of July 2026, as a series of cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides claimed at least 28 lives and caused extensive destruction to infrastructure and property across the Union Territory.
The prolonged period of heavy rainfall affected both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, damaging roads, bridges, power infrastructure, drinking water supply schemes, agricultural land and residential areas. Several people sustained injuries, while rescue teams carried out evacuation and relief operations in multiple districts.
Meteorological officials said the Union Territory recorded around 15 to 16 cloudbursts during the first half of July alone, an unusually high number within such a short period. The active weather system continued in the following days, triggering additional cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in several districts.
Official figures indicate that at least 28 people lost their lives in weather related incidents, with Poonch, Rajouri and Doda among the worst affected districts. Deaths were reported due to flash floods, landslides, house collapses and other rain related incidents.
The relentless rainfall left a trail of destruction across the region. Roads, bridges, irrigation canals and agricultural fields suffered extensive damage, while overflowing rivers and streams inundated residential areas and washed away critical public infrastructure.
The Jammu Srinagar National Highway, the Valley's primary surface link with the rest of the country, remained highly vulnerable throughout the period. Frequent landslides and shooting stones in Ramban district forced repeated closures, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and disrupting the movement of essential supplies before restoration work reopened the highway.
In the Kashmir Valley, flash floods caused significant damage in several districts. In Beerwah, the diversion over Nallah Sukhnag was washed away, cutting off road connectivity for several days until emergency repairs restored traffic. Similar damage to roads, residential areas and public infrastructure was reported from Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Budgam, Anantnag, Ganderbal and other districts.
The adverse weather also disrupted the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Pilgrimage remained suspended for several days after heavy rainfall damaged trekking routes and triggered landslides. While the Baltal route has resumed operations, the traditional Pahalgam route continues to remain closed as restoration work and safety assessments are underway.
Electricity networks, water supply systems and communication infrastructure also suffered damage in several parts of the Union Territory, leaving many areas without power and safe drinking water for days. Government agencies deployed personnel and machinery to restore essential services, repair damaged roads and clear debris from affected locations.
The India Meteorological Department issued repeated alerts warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and the possibility of flash floods, landslides and cloudburst events. Rescue and relief operations continued across the Union Territory with SDRF, NDRF, police, civil administration and local volunteers working to assist affected residents and restore normalcy.
Srinagar, July 26: Jammu and Kashmir witnessed one of its worst spells of monsoon related disasters in recent years during the first three weeks of July 2026, as a series of cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides claimed at least 28 lives and caused extensive destruction to infrastructure and property across the Union Territory.
The prolonged period of heavy rainfall affected both the Kashmir and Jammu divisions, damaging roads, bridges, power infrastructure, drinking water supply schemes, agricultural land and residential areas. Several people sustained injuries, while rescue teams carried out evacuation and relief operations in multiple districts.
Meteorological officials said the Union Territory recorded around 15 to 16 cloudbursts during the first half of July alone, an unusually high number within such a short period. The active weather system continued in the following days, triggering additional cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides in several districts.
Official figures indicate that at least 28 people lost their lives in weather related incidents, with Poonch, Rajouri and Doda among the worst affected districts. Deaths were reported due to flash floods, landslides, house collapses and other rain related incidents.
The relentless rainfall left a trail of destruction across the region. Roads, bridges, irrigation canals and agricultural fields suffered extensive damage, while overflowing rivers and streams inundated residential areas and washed away critical public infrastructure.
The Jammu Srinagar National Highway, the Valley's primary surface link with the rest of the country, remained highly vulnerable throughout the period. Frequent landslides and shooting stones in Ramban district forced repeated closures, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded and disrupting the movement of essential supplies before restoration work reopened the highway.
In the Kashmir Valley, flash floods caused significant damage in several districts. In Beerwah, the diversion over Nallah Sukhnag was washed away, cutting off road connectivity for several days until emergency repairs restored traffic. Similar damage to roads, residential areas and public infrastructure was reported from Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Budgam, Anantnag, Ganderbal and other districts.
The adverse weather also disrupted the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. Pilgrimage remained suspended for several days after heavy rainfall damaged trekking routes and triggered landslides. While the Baltal route has resumed operations, the traditional Pahalgam route continues to remain closed as restoration work and safety assessments are underway.
Electricity networks, water supply systems and communication infrastructure also suffered damage in several parts of the Union Territory, leaving many areas without power and safe drinking water for days. Government agencies deployed personnel and machinery to restore essential services, repair damaged roads and clear debris from affected locations.
The India Meteorological Department issued repeated alerts warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and the possibility of flash floods, landslides and cloudburst events. Rescue and relief operations continued across the Union Territory with SDRF, NDRF, police, civil administration and local volunteers working to assist affected residents and restore normalcy.
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