Flash Floods in Pir Panjal: Rajouri Man, Poonch Girl Swept Away; Schools Shut, Roads Blocked
By: Javid Amin | 19 Aug 2025
The Pir Panjal region of Jammu & Kashmir is facing the brunt of relentless rainfall, with flash floods and landslides wreaking havoc across Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi districts. The downpour has already claimed lives, damaged infrastructure, and brought traffic to a grinding halt.
Tragedy Strikes Rajouri and Poonch
In Rajouri’s Mubarakpur area, tragedy unfolded when 20-year-old Sayeed Atif Shah was swept away while trying to cross a swollen rivulet. Teams of State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and local volunteers are engaged in a massive search operation to locate him.
In neighboring Poonch district, 8-year-old Asiya Kouser was washed away by floodwaters near Umraban Bufliyaz while staying with her family in a mountain dhok (seasonal pasture dwelling). Despite frantic rescue efforts, the child remains missing, and operations continue amid difficult terrain and weather.
Region-Wide Impact of Heavy Rain
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Evacuations: More than 100 people have been shifted to safer locations from low-lying and flood-prone areas.
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Schools Closed: Educational institutions in Rajouri, Poonch, and Reasi districts have been ordered shut for safety.
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Road Blockages:
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The Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) remains closed due to shooting stones and landslides in Ramban.
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The Rajouri–Thanamandi–Surankote road and several rural link roads are blocked, cutting off interior areas.
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Infrastructure Damage: Multiple schools, homes, and livestock shelters have been damaged, leaving families displaced.
Weather Alert & Safety Advisory
The Meteorological Department has issued a 56-hour heavy rainfall warning for the region. Authorities have appealed to residents to:
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Stay away from rivers, streams, and flood-prone areas.
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Avoid unnecessary travel in hilly terrain until weather conditions improve.
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Follow official updates from district administrations and traffic police.
A Region Under Climate Stress
The Pir Panjal mountains are historically vulnerable to landslides and flash floods, but experts warn that climate change is intensifying rainfall patterns, increasing both the frequency and severity of such disasters. The repeated closures of highways and tragic loss of lives highlight the urgent need for disaster-resilient infrastructure and early-warning systems.
Key Takeaways
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2 lives swept away: Rajouri youth and Poonch girl missing after flash floods.
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100+ evacuated: Families shifted from low-lying areas.
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Schools closed: Across Rajouri, Poonch & Reasi.
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Roads blocked: NH-44, Rajouri–Thanamandi–Surankote road, and others.
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Weather warning: Heavy rain alert remains in effect.
