J-K: Two dead, five injured after falling boulder hits bus and two vehicles in Doda; Manoj Sinha expresses sorrow over loss of lives

DODA (Jammu and Kashmir): Two people were killed and five others injured after a massive boulder rolled down a hillside and struck a passenger bus and two light motor vehicles at Ragi Nallah in J&K’s Doda district on July 19.

The heavy impact caused extensive damage to the vehicles and triggered panic among commuters along the route. Upon receiving information, rescue teams and local police personnel rushed to the spot, initiated immediate relief operations, and evacuated the injured to a nearby hospital for primary treatment. The injured individuals were subsequently shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu for specialised care.

Following the tragic incident, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in the incident. In a post on X, the Lieutenant Governor stated that emergency teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), J&K Police, and the Army, have been actively deployed and placed on high alert across vulnerable areas to handle potential hazards in the region.

Sinha also noted that key arterial roads in Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Udhampur have been successfully reopened for traffic. The work to fully restore water supplies in several affected areas is currently ongoing.

I spoke to Senior Officials today to assess the impact of heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides. I am deeply saddened by the loss of two lives in Doda, and my heart goes out to their families. Emergency teams, including the NDRF, SDRF, J&K Police, and the Army are deployed…

— Manoj Sinha (@manojsinha_) July 20, 2026

“I spoke to Senior Officials today to assess the impact of heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides. I am deeply saddened by the loss of two lives in Doda, and my heart goes out to their families. Emergency teams, including the NDRF, SDRF, J&K Police, and the Army are deployed and on high alert in vulnerable areas. Key roads in Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, and Udhampur have been reopened, and work to restore water supplies in several areas is ongoing. Field teams have also been directed to urgently evaluate damage to houses and public infrastructure,” said Sinha.

Meanwhile, following heavy rains in the area over the past two days, three of the five Main Radial Gates (MRG) of the 900 MW Baghlihar Hydel Project in Chanderkot, Ramban, have been opened to spill out extra water to regulate the reservoir’s optimum water level in the area.

Earlier, at least seven people had died after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Surankote area of Poonch district, while rescue teams comprising the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continued search operations for the missing on Sunday amid heavy rain across the Union Territory.

Confirming the death toll, Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Sub-District Hospital, Surankote, Mohd Yousf said, “Regarding the calamity and storm that struck the entire district, including Surankote, Rajouri, and the state, we have confirmed seven deaths in Surankote so far. We have completed the medical formalities for six bodies and handed them over to their families, while one more body, which we recently recovered, is currently being brought in. There are several people still reported missing; we are yet to ascertain the exact number. Rescue operations are currently underway near the stream.”

Jammu and Kashmir | At least 11 people were killed and seven others went missing as torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods in the twin border districts of #Rajouri and Poonch early morning today.

The worst devastation was reported from Surankote tehsil in… pic.twitter.com/QUfDVoLsCe

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) July 19, 2026

As the rain-related emergency unfolded, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu to review the situation arising from incessant rainfall, flash floods and landslides in Poonch and Rajouri districts, besides assessing the administration’s preparedness across Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting reviewed the prevailing weather situation, the impact of heavy rainfall and the steps being taken by various departments to ensure public safety, restore essential services and provide relief to affected families.

At the outset, the Chief Minister expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the flash floods and assured all possible assistance for relief, rehabilitation and restoration. Stressing coordinated action, Omar Abdullah said, “Coordination cannot be emphasised enough,” while directing all districts to keep control rooms functional round the clock, maintain constant vigilance and ensure prompt dissemination of information for timely response.

Heavy rainfall also caused widespread damage in Rajouri district, where the Dharhal River overflowed, inundating the New Bela Bus Stand area, the district’s largest bus terminal. Floodwaters entered shops and parking areas, damaging several commercial establishments and vehicles.

The Indian Army and SDRF rescued several people stranded on islands formed by rising river waters in Nowshera, Chakli and Muradpur. Two persons were specifically rescued from the Muradpur stretch amid strong currents. (ANI)