SRINAGAR: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday expressed deep grief over the loss of lives in the flash floods and landslides that ravaged parts of Jammu and Kashmir’s Jammu division, urging the Centre to extend all possible assistance to the Union Territory for rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations.
In a post on X, Kharge said he was distressed by the devastation caused by torrential rains and flash floods, particularly in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri.
“I am deeply distressed by the tragic loss of lives and the devastation caused by the flash floods and incessant rains in the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Poonch and Rajouri. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and the safety of all those affected,” he said.
I am deeply distressed by the tragic loss of lives and the devastation caused by the flash floods and incessant rains in the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Poonch and Rajouri. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery…
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) July 19, 2026
The Congress chief urged the Union government and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to work closely with the Jammu and Kashmir government to ensure timely rescue, relief and rehabilitation of affected families.
“I urge the Union Government and the LG office to provide all required assistance to the State Government and work in close coordination to ensure swift rescue, relief and rehabilitation for every affected family,” he said.
Kharge also appealed to Congress leaders and party workers to extend every possible help to people affected by the disaster.
Seeking financial assistance for the victims’ families, he demanded that adequate compensation be provided without delay through the PM CARES Fund.
The appeal comes as torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides across the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri on Sunday, leaving at least 11 people dead and seven others missing. Rescue teams from multiple agencies have been deployed to search for the missing and provide relief to stranded residents.
The worst-hit area was Surankote tehsil in Poonch district, where most of the fatalities were reported. Rescue operations continued despite damaged roads and persistent rainfall.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cut short his visit to New Delhi and returned to Jammu to oversee the situation. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also reviewed the flood situation and directed officials to ensure immediate relief and assistance to affected families.
