19 killed in floods in Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir in India

19 people have died due to flash floods and landslides caused by heavy monsoon rains affecting the states of Nagaland and Jammu and Kashmir in India. Following the disaster reported on Sunday, authorities have taken steps to promptly initiate relief and rescue operations in the affected areas.

Of the deceased, 8 are reported from the northeastern state of Nagaland, adjacent to the Myanmar border, while the other 11 are reported from the Indian-controlled region of Jammu and Kashmir.

Wennyei Konyak, the magistrate of Mon district in Nagaland, speaking to foreign media, stated that the bodies of four of the eight deceased have been recovered so far, and rescue operations are still ongoing. He further added that about 15 other people were injured in the disaster.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed his deep sorrow regarding the massive flood situation affecting the Rajouri district in the Jammu region. The floods have caused severe damage to numerous public and private properties, including a bus stand. Indian news service NDTV reported that 11 people died and several others went missing from the Jammu region. However, the army and state emergency response teams have successfully rescued 11 people, including five young children.

The Indian Meteorological Department has warned that very heavy rainfall is expected in Jammu and Kashmir over the next two days. Considering the adverse weather conditions and the safety of pilgrims, authorities have also temporarily suspended the annual Hindu Amarnath pilgrimage in Kashmir. The government announced that it would resume once the weather improves and the roads are confirmed safe. Additionally, the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Jammu, which attracts millions of devotees, has also been suspended. Such floods and disaster situations are common annually during India's monsoon season.