Jammu and Kashmir rains LIVE: Amarnath Yatra suspended as J&K braces for heavy rain

4 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides batter Poonch district

By Project Chintan Newsroom

19 July 2026 · 6 min read

4 dead, several missing as flash floods, landslides batter Poonch district

Updated - July 19, 2026 11:41 am IST

People gather near the Banganga entry gate after the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board suspends the pilgrimage due to adverse weather conditions, in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, Sunday, July 19, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

Authorities on Sunday (July 19, 2026) temporarily suspended the Amarnath Yatra from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes in view of the Met department’s forecast of widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days.

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At least four people, including three women, were killed and several went missing after heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district early Sunday (July 19, 2026), officials said.

All the deaths were reported from the worst-affected Surankote tehsil, where authorities have deployed rescue teams and intensified relief operations to reach stranded residents, clear affected areas, and provide immediate assistance to those impacted by the heavy rains, they said.

July 19, 2026 11:41
Home Minister Amit Shah directs L-G, CM to ensure safety amidst Rajouri floods
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Jammu and Kashmir LG Shri Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah to take stock of the flood situation in Rajouri district following heavy overnight rainfall.
Mr. Shah directed to ensure all possible help for the safety and security of the affected people.
- Vijaita Singh
July 19, 2026 11:35
Flash floods, landslides wreak havoc in Poonch-Rajouri; eight dead, six missing
At least eight people were killed and six others went missing as torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday (July 19, 2026), prompting a multi-agency rescue operation.
The worst devastation was reported from Surankote tehsil in Poonch district, where most of the fatalities occurred, while rescue teams raced against time to trace the missing amid continuing rain and damaged roads, the officials said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was in Delhi for the proposed statehood protest, said he will cut short his stay in the national capital and return to Jammu in the afternoon in view of the worsening situation across parts of the division following heavy rains.
- PTI
July 19, 2026 11:34
Shiv Khori pilgrimage suspended temporarily
The Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board advised devotees to postpone their travel until further notice, citing safety concerns.
“In view of the weather forecast of heavy rains issued by the IMD and the inclement weather in Ransoo, the pilgrimage to Shri Shiv Khori has temporarily been suspended,” the Jammu divisional commissioner posted on X.
He said the situation is being continuously monitored and urged devotees to check the latest updates before planning their visit to the shrine.
- PTI
July 19, 2026 11:20
All gates of Salal dam opened
Authorities have advised people living near the Chenab river to avoid riverbanks and refrain from fishing, bathing, grazing livestock, or crossing the river until conditions normalise.
- IANS
July 19, 2026 11:19
Rainfall triggers landslide near Dewal Bridge, NH-44
Continuous rainfall triggered a landslide near Dewal Bridge on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), affecting traffic movement. Authorities diverted traffic to a single lane as restoration work continues.
- IANS
July 19, 2026 11:00
Closely monitoring situations of extremely heavy rain in Jammu: CM Omar Abdullah
“The government will do everything possible to aid & assist affected people who have suffered property loss/damage due to the rains & flash floods,” the Chief Minister posted on X.
July 19, 2026 10:52
Flash floods hit J&K’s Rajouri town, hundreds shifted to safer places amid heavy rainfall
Rajouri town was hit by flash floods following incessant overnight rainfall, forcing hundreds of residents to move to safer locations as floodwaters inundated low-lying areas, including the new bus stand early on Sunday (July 19, 2026), officials said.
Flash floods hit J&K’s Rajouri town, hundreds shifted to safer places amid heavy rainfall
Flash floods in Rajouri, J&K, displace hundreds as heavy rainfall causes widespread damage and emergency evacuations.
July 19, 2026 10:51
Omar Abdullah to return to Jammu amid heavy rain in region; Statehood protest to be led by Dr. Farooq Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday (July 16, 2026) said that he will cut short his stay in Delhi and return to Jammu on Sunday afternoon in view of the worsening situation across parts of the division following heavy rains.
Heavy rains have lashed many parts of Jammu division, especially Rajouri.
- PTI
July 19, 2026 10:46
Amarnath Yatra suspended as J&K braces for heavy rain
Authorities on Sunday (July 19, 2026) temporarily suspended the Amarnath Yatra from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes in view of the Met department’s forecast of widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days.
Officials said no onward movement will be permitted from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps in the Kashmir region, and the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.
“In view of the inclement weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from all base camps, including the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, with effect from 19.07.2026 as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims,” an official said here.
- PTI
July 19, 2026 10:45
Control Room established in Katra for disaster management in monsoon conditions
In view of the prevailing monsoon conditions and the risk of emergencies arising from heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and road blockages, the Sub-Divisional Administration Katra has constituted a Control Room for Monsoon Disaster Management to ensure prompt response and effective coordination.
As per an order issued by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Katra, Piyush Dhotra (JKAS), the Control Room will function under the overall supervision of Tehsildar Katra, Jatinder Singh, in close coordination with police, PWD, health, power, Jal Shakti, municipal authorities and other concerned departments.
The Control Room will maintain a round-the-clock watch over the monsoon situation, receive and record reports regarding heavy rainfall, flash floods, landslides, damage to property and disruption of roads, electricity and drinking water supply. It will also ensure timely communication of situation reports to higher authorities for necessary action.
- ANI