Rajouri flash floods submerge Bela Colony and sweep away vehicles

RAJOURI, July 19 — Intense rainfall triggered flash floods and a cloudburst in multiple areas of Rajouri district on Sunday, causing widespread damage to property, vehicles, and infrastructure.

Officials reported that the Rajouri river breached its banks and entered Bela Colony, leading to severe flooding across the area. The sudden and powerful surge of water washed away several vehicles that were parked at the Bela Bus Stand.Multiple houses and families are currently trapped inside Bela Colony as a result of the rising waters.

Reports from the ground indicate that residents in Bela and its adjoining areas have also suffered significant losses of livestock.The destruction extended into the Thanna Mandi Sub Division, where flash floods impacted the Churung, Rajdhani, and Behrote areas.

Authorities confirmed that several laborers working at a local crusher unit in Behrote became trapped due to the rapidly rising waters.In Manjakote Tehsil, a devastating cloudburst in the Kotli Kalaban and Golinari areas triggered flash floods that completely washed a local graveyard into a nearby stream.

The destruction of several graves has caused immense grief and concern among the local residents.The severe weather event follows an advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall and the potential for flash floods in the region.

Rescue and relief teams have been deployed to the worst-hit areas, and authorities are urging people living in low-lying zones and near water bodies to remain highly vigilant.