J&K Flood Deaths Rise To 45, Omar Abdullah Urges Resilience: ‘We Can’t Live In Fear’

Two days after heavy rains and cloudbursts triggered devastating flash floods across Jammu and Kashmir, the official death toll climbed to 45 on Thursday. Authorities confirmed 10 additional deaths in the past 24 hours, even as rescue operations were stepped up with improving weather conditions.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra track near Ardhkumari in Katra was the worst affected, suffering massive damage from landslides and floods. At least 35 people lost their lives on that stretch alone when a portion of the shrine route was swept away on Tuesday. Rescue teams continued combing through the debris on Thursday to check for survivors or trapped victims.

Heavy rainfall earlier this week crippled vital infrastructure, with bridges collapsing and mobile towers and power lines destroyed in multiple areas. But with water levels in major rivers such as the Jhelum and Chenab receding after improved weather on Wednesday, authorities accelerated relief and restoration work.

Jammu Division Worst Hit

Of the 45 confirmed fatalities, 43 occurred in the Jammu division. Reasi district's Katra accounted for the highest number with 35 deaths, while three people died in Doda, four in Udhampur, and one in Jammu district. The Kashmir division reported two deaths, including the electrocution of two youths in South Kashmir's Anantnag.

Weather Outlook

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast improved weather across Jammu and Kashmir on August 29 and 30. While Kashmir is expected to remain largely dry with only isolated light showers, parts of Jammu region may continue to see monsoon rains with short spells.

From August 31 to September 1, fresh showers are likely across many areas of the Union Territory. A few pockets could witness heavy downpours, but the IMD ruled out prolonged rainfall, predicting long breaks between spells.