Jammu and Kashmir

Devastating rainfall and flood-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in 2025 resulted in 152 deaths, 179 injuries, and widespread property damage, official records revealed. Nearly 21,000 structures, mostly residential homes, were damaged, while 1,515 livestock also perished during the calamity.

Data from the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department (DMRRRD) showed that 151 fatalities were reported from Jammu division, which was worst affected, while one death was recorded in Kashmir valley.

Among the major tragedies, around 100 pilgrims lost their lives in separate cloudburst and landslide incidents while travelling to Machail Mata shrine in Kishtwar district and Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district in August. A cloudburst in Chisoti village on August 14 killed 63 people and injured several others, with 30 people reported missing. Later, a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route on August 26 claimed 32 lives and left 20 injured.

Authorities stated that compensation for victims’ families, injured persons, and damaged houses has been distributed under norms of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

The government released Rs 289.39 crore under SDRF during 2025-26, including Rs 200.39 crore for Jammu division and Rs 89 crore for Kashmir division, to support relief and reconstruction work.

The damage was significantly higher in Jammu division, where 3,304 houses were completely destroyed, 1,818 were severely damaged, and 11,622 were partially damaged. Additionally, 3,531 huts and cattle sheds were destroyed, along with 1,461 livestock deaths and damage to 1,035 tin sheds.

In Kashmir division, 12 houses were fully destroyed, 44 were severely damaged, and 597 were partially damaged, besides damage to huts, cattle sheds, and livestock losses.

Central teams from the Ministry of Home Affairs visited affected districts between September 3 and 7, 2025 to assess damages. Following further evaluation by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), detailed reports were submitted to the ministry.

Based on assessment reports, the Centre approved Rs 1,431 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme for restoration works in the region. The funds will be released after departments submit detailed reconstruction proposals.

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In addition, Rs 100 crore was allocated under the 2025-26 Capex Budget for flood relief measures, with Rs 5 crore earmarked for each district. Relief assistance was also provided through the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) to support affected families and individuals