Rajouri Flash Floods: Three Dead, One Missing, 230 Rescued; Says DC Rajouri 

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

SHYAM SOOD

**Schools to Remain Closed Until Safety Audit: DC

**50 Vehicles Damaged, 50 Missing; 480 People Housed in Relief Centers

**109 Families Comprising 476 People Sheltered in Relief Camps

RAJOURI, JULY 22:-Three people died, one remains missing, and around 230 people have been rescued following the devastating flash floods that struck Rajouri district after days of heavy rainfall, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajouri Abhishek Sharma said on Tuesday.

Addressing a press conference at the DC Office, Sharma said the district administration, in coordination with the Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Indian Army, has been carrying out large-scale rescue, relief, and rehabilitation operations in the affected areas.

The DC said continuous heavy rainfall since Sunday night triggered flash floods at several locations across the district, resulting in loss of life, extensive damage to public infrastructure, and displacement of hundreds of residents.

“Four persons were reported missing during the disaster. So far, three bodies have been recovered, while one person is still missing. Joint teams of the SDRF, NDRF, Police, and Army are continuing search operations,” Sharma said.

He added that nearly 230 people were safely rescued from flood-hit areas and shifted to secure locations. Most of the rescued individuals escaped without injuries. “The administration’s priority was to ensure that all stranded residents were evacuated quickly and provided immediate assistance,” he said.

The DC informed that ex-gratia relief under government norms has already been provided to the families of the deceased. In addition, the special financial assistance announced by the Chief Minister for flood victims will be released shortly.

Giving details of the losses, Sharma said preliminary assessments indicate that around 50 vehicles have been completely damaged by the floodwaters, while another 50 vehicles are still missing. He noted that the damage assessment process is ongoing and the figures may increase as verification continues.

The flash floods also caused significant damage to public infrastructure. According to the administration, about 16 government structures have been affected. One primary school suffered severe damage, while three other government schools sustained partial damage. A Panchayat Ghar was also damaged, and the Bela Bus Stand in Rajouri was destroyed.

Sharma issued a strong warning to residents not to use basements in flood-prone and low-lying areas. He said many people operate gyms, libraries, marriage halls, parking facilities, and other commercial establishments in basement structures that are particularly vulnerable during floods.

“Basements are among the first places to get inundated during flash floods. People must avoid using such spaces for commercial activities in vulnerable areas. Strict action will be taken against those violating safety guidelines issued by the administration,” he warned.

The DC said around 480 people are currently staying in relief and lodging centres established by the administration. All necessary facilities, including food, drinking water, accommodation, medical care, and sanitation, are being provided to the displaced families.

To accommodate affected residents, the administration has activated nearly 15 relief centres across the district. Families living near rivers, streams, and landslide-prone areas are being shifted to safer locations as a precautionary measure.

Responding to questions regarding the reopening of schools, Sharma announced that all government and private schools in the district will remain closed until mandatory safety audits are completed.

He said structural inspections would be carried out after weather conditions improve, as cracks and other weaknesses often become visible only after rainfall subsides. “No school will be allowed to reopen without a proper safety audit and clearance from the concerned authorities,” he said.

The Deputy Commissioner warned that strict legal action would be taken against any government or private educational institution found operating without the required safety clearance.

Emphasising that public safety remains the administration’s foremost priority, Sharma said relief, rehabilitation, and damage assessment efforts are continuing on a war footing as Rajouri recovers from one of the worst flash flood incidents in recent years.