**Title: At Least 25 Killed as Floods and Landslides Devastate Northern India**
**Date: July 20, 2026**
At least 25 people have lost their lives as severe floods and landslides struck northern and northeastern India over the weekend, according to local officials. The calamities were triggered by days of relentless monsoon rains, which have caused widespread destruction in several regions, particularly in Indian-administered Kashmir and the northeastern state of Nagaland.
In Kashmir, the districts of Poonch, Rajouri, and Doda have been severely affected, with at least 15 fatalities reported. A senior police official indicated that several individuals remain unaccounted for, raising concerns about the possibility of more casualties as rescue operations continue.
In Nagaland, persistent rainfall has resulted in multiple landslides, claiming the lives of nine individuals. Wennyei Konyak, the magistrate of Mon district, confirmed that four of the eight bodies have been recovered, while rescue efforts are ongoing. Additionally, at least 15 people have sustained injuries due to the landslides.
The situation in Jammu has also been dire, with flash floods in Rajouri leading to significant damage to both public and private property. The office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reported that the floods have disrupted the lives of countless residents. In response to the crisis, army personnel and state emergency responders have successfully rescued 11 individuals, including five children.
In the neighbouring state of Assam, flooding has claimed one life, according to the state disaster management authority. The floods have affected more than 57,000 people across seven districts, highlighting the widespread impact of the monsoon rains across the region.
India's weather office has issued warnings for the potential continuation of extremely heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days. Active monsoon conditions are expected to persist across the region for up to a week, raising concerns about further flooding and landslides.
In light of the ongoing crisis, authorities have temporarily suspended the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, which attracted over 400,000 Hindu devotees last year. The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Jammu has also been halted to ensure the safety of pilgrims until the routes are declared safe for travel.
Floods and related incidents are a recurring issue in India during the monsoon season, which follows the long summer months. The country often grapples with the dual challenges of severe flooding and water scarcity, as many regions experience drought conditions in the preceding months.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and heed safety warnings. The impact of the floods and landslides serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather events, exacerbated by the changing climate.