Flash Floods Devastate Rajouri, Wash Away Farmland and Crops.

Rajouri, August 8: .Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall have caused extensive damage to agricultural land, standing crops and other assets in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, leaving dozens of farming families facing severe losses. The latest damage has been reported from the Saaj, Plangher and Mehra areas, where swollen streams and flash floodwaters have eroded fertile farmland and swept away paddy fields, maize crops, livestock enclosures and portions of land supporting rural households. According to affected residents, heavy rains on July 19 caused the first major wave of destruction, with floodwaters eroding land beneath houses and damaging agricultural fields. The situation worsened after fresh flash floods swept through the area, washing away whatever farmland had remained. Residents said around 25 to 30 households in the Saaj and Plangher areas have lost agricultural land to the raging streams, while several families have also suffered damage to homes and livestock enclosures. Farmers in Mehra village reported similar devastation, saying the latest floods completely washed away fertile land that had already been damaged during the July 19 floods. One farmer said his family lost around 10 to 12 kanals of agricultural land, while nearly 50 kanals belonging to relatives were also swept away. The affected land was used for growing crops and fodder and for supporting livestock, leaving farming families facing a major livelihood crisis. Residents said around 30 to 40 families in Mehra village have suffered similar losses after the river changed its course through their farmland. Locals have urged the administration to assess the damage and provide immediate relief and rehabilitation to affected families, alleging that the affected areas have not received adequate attention despite the scale of destruction. The repeated flash floods have raised serious concerns over agricultural land erosion, crop damage, rural infrastructure, farmer losses and flood preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir, with residents seeking urgent government intervention.