Jammu and Kashmir rain fury: 7 killed after landslide buries house in Poonch, death toll rises

Jammu and Kashmir: At least seven people, including four women and two children, were killed after a landslide struck a mud house in the higher reaches of Loran village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Monday. Officials said the landslide was triggered by continuous heavy rainfall, causing large amounts of debris and rocks to fall on the house.

The victims were inside the house when the landslide occurred and were buried under the debris. Rescue teams, including police, army personnel, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and local volunteers, carried out operations at the site.

The deceased were identified as members of the same family from Arigam village in Mandi tehsil of Poonch. Officials said the incident included the deaths of a woman, her two children and other relatives.

Heavy rainfall has caused widespread damage across Jammu and Kashmir, with several districts facing landslides, flash floods and disruptions. In Poonch and Rajouri, rescue operations have been affected due to swollen streams, slippery roads and poor visibility.

According to officials, rain-related incidents across Jammu and Kashmir have claimed several lives over the past two days, while multiple people remain missing. In Poonch, several deaths have been reported due to landslides and flash floods, while Rajouri has also witnessed casualties.

In another incident, two people were killed after a passenger bus was hit by a boulder near Raggi Nallah on the Jammu-Kishtwar National Highway in Doda district. Several others were injured in the incident.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex gratia compensation of Rs 6 lakh for the families of those who died in rain-related incidents. The relief package includes Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall, flash floods and possible cloudbursts in several Jammu districts, including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri and Poonch, between July 20 and July 24.

The Irrigation and Flood Control Department has also issued a warning for parts of the Kashmir Valley, particularly the Jhelum Basin, predicting a rise in water levels due to intense rainfall.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas, stay away from rivers and streams, limit travel in vulnerable hilly regions and follow official weather advisories.

Rescue and relief teams continue to monitor the situation as Jammu and Kashmir faces the impact of heavy rains and extreme weather conditions.