Heavy rain on Monday (July 20, 2026) severely hampered rescue operations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, a day after devastating flash floods and landslides claimed 12 lives and left several others missing.

The fresh spell of rain began around 3 a.m. in the twin border districts and continued unabated till the last reports were received, making rescue and search operations difficult in the affected areas, officials said.

Swollen streams, slippery terrain and poor visibility hindered the movement of rescue teams, who have been racing against time to trace the missing.

At least 12 persons were killed in separate rain-related incidents in the two districts on Sunday (July 19, 2026), while the fate of seven people missing, including an employee of the Jal Shakti Department, remains unknown.

Police, Army, SDRF and Civil Defence personnel and local volunteers continued rescue efforts despite the adverse weather, the officials said.

They said the continuing rainfall has raised concerns over the possibility of fresh landslides and flash floods, with residents in vulnerable areas being advised to remain alert.

Latest Jammu and Kashmir news updates

The administration is closely monitoring the situation, the officials said.

The Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir till July 23, prompting district administrations to issue advisories urging people to remain vigilant and avoid venturing near rivers, streams, nallahs and other water bodies.

Moderate to heavy rainfall was reported from Jammu and several other districts, though there were no immediate reports of any loss of life or damage to property.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday directed all district administrations to submit situation reports every six hours until July 24 to strengthen monitoring and ensure a coordinated response.

He also assessed the administration's preparedness to deal with any weather-related eventuality across Jammu and Kashmir.

CM announces ₹6 lakh ex-gratia for next of kin of those killed

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday (July 20, 2026) announced an ex gratia relief of ₹6 lakh for the next of kin of those killed in rain-related incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts.

Expressing profound grief over the loss of lives caused by the flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents, the Chief Minister said 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.

“While no amount of financial assistance can ever compensate for the irreparable loss of life caused by yesterday’s flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents in Poonch and Rajouri, an ex-gratia relief of Rs 6 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased as an immediate measure of support for the bereaved families,” Mr. Abdullah said.

The spokesman said the relief package comprises ₹4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and an additional ₹2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF).