Heavy Rainfall in Jammu: SDRF Rescues Dozens in Multi-District Flood Operations
JAMMU, July 19, 2026: Widespread heavy rainfall across the Jammu Division triggered multiple emergencies on Saturday, prompting swift and coordinated rescue operations by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Civil Defence, Volunteers Home Guards (VHG), and local police. Timely interventions by SDRF teams resulted in the safe evacuation of several stranded individuals and livestock from flood-affected areas across multiple districts of the Jammu Province.
Early Morning Operations in Rajouri District
The SDRF Component Rajouri conducted a series of rescue operations during the early hours of the day. At around 3:00 AM, following information received from PCR Rajouri regarding rainwater inundating several houses in Atti Fatehpur, an SDRF team led by SI Mohd. Ashraf immediately rushed to the affected area and safely evacuated stranded families to secure locations. Later, at 5:30 AM, the SDRF team deployed to Charung Nallah, Thanamandi, where 15 persons had become stranded due to a sudden rise in the water level. All 15 individuals were rescued safely. The team was subsequently mobilized to Muradpur, Rajouri, where two more persons were successfully evacuated from flood-affected conditions. Rescue operations in the district are continuing, with SDRF teams remaining on standby to respond to any further emergencies.
Evacuations and Assessments in Poonch District
The SDRF carried out multiple rescue operations at different locations across Poonch district. At Dahlera, the team rescued one individual along with 32 sheep stranded due to rising water levels. Simultaneously, rescue teams safely evacuated around 20 persons from Kalai and Chandak, while two more individuals were rescued from Bainch. Additionally, SI Zakir Hussain and Constable Mushtaq Khan were deputed to Mandi along with officers and officials of the Civil Administration and Local Police for inspection and assessment duties. Another SDRF rescue team has been dispatched to Sangla following reports of a house being damaged due to heavy rainfall to undertake necessary rescue and assessment on the ground. The rescue operations in the district were supervised on the ground by the Commandant, SDRF 2nd Battalion, Mohamad Aslam IPS, Jammu, who closely monitored the operations and provided necessary directions to ensure their safe, timely, and successful execution.
Dandani River Rescue in CD-Town Nowshera
In CD-Town Nowshera, the SDRF, Civil Defence, and VHG Rescue Team successfully rescued Dolly Sharma, son of Dhan Raj, resident of Lamberi, who became stranded in the Dandani River at around 8:40 AM. Upon receiving the distress call, the rescue team promptly mobilized to the spot and, after sustained efforts, successfully evacuated the stranded individual from the river. The person was brought to safety without any injuries.
Tawi River Water Rescue in Jammu District
The SDRF Control Room received information from PCR Jammu that three persons had become stranded in the Tawi River near Peer Kho Temple, Jammu, following a sudden rise in the water level. On receipt of the information, an SDRF team from Battalion Headquarters, led by Inspector M.P. Wazir, immediately rushed to the location and launched a water rescue operation using boats and specialized rescue equipment in coordination with the local police and civil administration. After strenuous efforts, the team successfully rescued all three stranded individuals namely; Randeep, Vikas Vaibhav, and Munish and brought them safely to shore. Members of the public present at the scene appreciated the SDRF personnel for their dedication, professionalism, and efficient conduct of the rescue operation.
Senior-Level Emergency Monitoring
Commandant SDRF, Mohd. Aslam, IPS, personally monitored all rescue operations, supervising the response in the districts of Poonch and Rajouri while maintaining constant communication with all SDRF Components, Sub-Components, and CD-Towns across the Jammu Province. He directed all officers-in-charge to remain in a state of readiness to respond promptly to any emergency or disaster arising from the prevailing inclement weather conditions. The DySsPs at SDRF Battalion Headquarters also maintained close coordination with the SDRF Control Room and all field rescue teams throughout the operations. They continuously monitored the evolving situation, issued timely operational directions, and ensured prompt response, effective coordination, and seamless execution of all rescue efforts.
Public Safety Advisory
In view of the prevailing weather conditions, the SDRF has advised the public to remain vigilant and avoid venturing near rivers, nallahs, flood-prone areas, and other vulnerable locations during periods of heavy rainfall. Citizens are urged to strictly follow advisories issued by the district administration and emergency response agencies and immediately report any emergency through the nearest police station or SDRF Control Room. The prompt response and coordinated efforts of the SDRF, Civil Defence, Volunteers Home Guards, local police, and the civil administration once again demonstrated their commitment, professionalism, and preparedness in safeguarding lives and property during adverse weather conditions across the Jammu Division.