Jammu & Kashmir Toll Rises to 23 Amid Torrential Rains, IMD Forecasts More Downpours

NEW DELHI, July 20: Relentless monsoon showers continued to batter India’s Himalayan region on Monday, leaving a trail of devastation across Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. The worsening weather triggered flash floods, landslides, road blockades and widespread disruption, while the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that the intense spell of rainfall is expected to continue over the next several days.

Jammu and Kashmir emerged as the worst-affected region, with the rain-related death toll rising to 23 over the past two days. Rescue teams continued searching for several missing people as damaged roads, overflowing streams and unstable hillsides complicated relief operations in the affected districts.

Jammu and Kashmir Faces Severe Monsoon Impact

Authorities confirmed that at least 11 additional deaths were reported on Monday from different parts of the Jammu division, pushing the overall death toll to 23. Among the victims were women and children who lost their lives after houses collapsed or were buried under landslides triggered by incessant rainfall.

One of the most tragic incidents occurred in the remote Loran area of Poonch district, where a mud house collapsed after a hillside gave way. Seven members of a family, including a woman and her two children, were trapped beneath the debris and died before rescuers could reach them.

Officials said seven people remain missing, particularly from the flood-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri, where continuous rainfall initially prevented rescue teams from reaching several locations. Although weather conditions improved later in the day, search operations had yet to locate the missing residents.

Emergency personnel faced enormous challenges due to overflowing streams, damaged access routes, slippery mountain terrain and poor visibility, significantly slowing relief efforts.

Road Connectivity Severely Disrupted

Heavy rainfall also disrupted transportation across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Jammu-Kishtwar National Highway remained blocked after fresh landslides sent massive rocks and debris onto the roadway. Two private vehicles were struck by falling boulders, though all occupants escaped without injuries.

Several interior roads in mountainous regions remained inaccessible, affecting the movement of emergency services and delaying the supply of essential goods to isolated villages.

Authorities have deployed additional machinery to clear blocked roads while monitoring vulnerable stretches susceptible to further landslides.

IMD Predicts More Heavy Rainfall

The India Meteorological Department warned that active monsoon conditions are likely to continue across northwestern and northeastern India for the next four to five days.

According to the weather department, very heavy rainfall is expected over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and parts of Uttar Pradesh through July 20 and 21. Heavy rainfall has also been forecast for Uttarakhand, Bihar, Assam and Meghalaya.

Meteorologists explained that the current weather pattern has developed due to the weakening of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal combined with the strengthening of monsoon currents over northern India, resulting in widespread rainfall across the Himalayan belt.

Uttarakhand Suspends Char Dham Yatra

Continuous rainfall also caused significant disruption in Uttarakhand, where landslides blocked nearly 150 roads, including four national highways.

As a precautionary measure, the state administration temporarily suspended the Char Dham Yatra, citing safety concerns for thousands of pilgrims travelling through the mountainous routes.

Officials reported that an eight-year-old child was swept away by the swollen Saryu River in Bageshwar district during the heavy rain.

The Meteorological Department issued a Red Alert for Dehradun, Haridwar and Tehri districts, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall. Orange Alerts remain in force across the rest of the state.

To ensure public safety, authorities declared a holiday for schools from Classes 1 to 12 across Uttarakhand, while district administrations were instructed to remain on high alert around the clock.

Schools Shut Across Himachal Pradesh

Neighbouring Himachal Pradesh also experienced widespread disruption due to persistent rainfall.

The weather office issued a Red Alert for Chamba, Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur districts, prompting authorities to order the closure of all educational institutions in Kangra, Mandi and Sirmaur on July 21.

According to the State Emergency Operation Centre, 36 roads remained closed by Monday evening, including several key routes in Mandi and Chamba districts.

Heavy rain also disrupted 43 drinking water supply schemes and damaged multiple electricity transformers, affecting essential services in several areas.

Authorities have advised residents living in vulnerable hill regions to avoid unnecessary travel until weather conditions improve.

Heavy Rain Alert for Uttar Pradesh

The IMD also issued a Red Alert for several districts of Uttar Pradesh, warning of extremely heavy rainfall during the next 24 hours.

A Yellow Alert will remain in effect for parts of southern Uttar Pradesh from July 21 to July 25 as the active monsoon continues to influence weather across the state.

Officials urged residents in flood-prone areas to remain cautious and follow local administration advisories.

Relief from Heat in Delhi

Delhi witnessed a welcome change in weather after several days of humid conditions as light rainfall brought temperatures down across the city.

The weather department has issued a Yellow Alert for the national capital, forecasting generally cloudy skies accompanied by spells of heavy rain over the next two days.

Punjab and Haryana Brace for Intense Rainfall

Many districts of Punjab and Haryana also recorded rainfall on Monday, with meteorologists predicting that monsoon activity will intensify over the next 48 to 72 hours.

The IMD stated that widespread rainfall is expected between July 20 and July 22, with isolated locations likely to receive more than 12 centimetres of rain.

Authorities have advised residents to stay updated on weather warnings as localized flooding may occur in low-lying areas.

Assam Reports Fresh Landslides

In Assam, several landslides were reported from different parts of Guwahati following continuous rainfall.

Officials confirmed that although no casualties had been reported, emergency teams remain on alert after landslides occurred at multiple locations across the city.

The Assam State Disaster Management Authority has warned that moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning is expected during the next 24 hours, urging citizens to remain vigilant.

Authorities Continue Monitoring Situation

Disaster response agencies across the affected states remain engaged in rescue, evacuation and restoration work as heavy rainfall continues to impact transportation, power supply and public infrastructure.

With the IMD forecasting continued active monsoon conditions across northern and northeastern India, authorities have appealed to residents in vulnerable areas to avoid unnecessary travel, remain alert for official advisories and cooperate with emergency services until weather conditions stabilize.