News in Frames: Upheaval in undulating valley

Torrential rain in recent days has disrupted normal life across Jammu and Kashmir. The intense monsoon has triggered landslides, flash floods, urban waterlogging, and agricultural distress, as well as inundating major rivers and water bodies across the region.The Kashmir Valley saw an unusually intense spell of rain that lasted several days. The India Meteorological Department reported that Kashmir received 324.94% more rainfall than normal between July 17 and July 23. Because of the heavy rain, the Jhelum river and its main catchment area near the Lidder river swelled sharply, leading to severe flooding.The rain also erased the region’s seasonal rain deficit in just four days. Reasi district recorded the highest rainfall at 473.2 mm during the heavy wet spell from July 19 to July 24.While Srinagar itself took a hit, the situation poses a threat to the region’s agrarian economy. South Kashmir districts — including Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pulwama — have seen vast expanses of low-lying paddy fields submerged.The mid-summer period is a sensitive growth phase for paddy crops. Prolonged inundation threatens root health, hinders nutrient absorption, and risks significant yield reduction.The region’s famous apple orchards have also suffered due to waterlogged soil, prompting the Department of Horticulture to issue advisories urging farmers to clear drainage channels immediately to prevent decaying of roots and structural damage.Meanwhile, swollen tributaries and rising levels in the Jhelum river have put rural and semi-urban populations on high alert. While main river discharge levels are being closely monitored by civil authorities, localised flash floods and landslips have damaged minor connectivity structures in foothill areas.As field teams work to restore traffic and drain water from inundated centres, the agricultural community remains anxious as it awaits a drier weather to assess the full scale of crop damage across the Valley.Photo: Imran Nissar Livelihoods lost: A municipal shopping complex lies in ruins after raging floodwaters from the swollen Sukhnag river washed away dozens of shops in Beerwah, Budgam district.Photo: Imran Nissar All-weather ride: A fisherman rows his boat on a lake amid an unusually heavy spell of rain in Srinagar.Photo: Imran Nissar Water surge: Houseboats moored on the banks of the Jhelum river in Srinagar following heavy rain.Photo: Imran Nissar Cause for concern: A man watches the swollen Jhelum river, after an intense spell of rain that lasted several days, in Srinagar.Photo: Imran Nissar Slick streets: A view of a waterlogged road near the Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) in Srinagar.Photo: Imran Nissar Clopping along: A Kashmiri man rides a horse cart on a rainy day in Srinagar.Photo: Imran Nissar Sidelined wagons: Trucks halted at Qazigund after landslides forced the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.Photo: Imran Nissar Perilous perch: Houses seen along the banks of the Jhelum river flowing over the danger mark in Srinagar. Swollen tributaries and rising river levels in the region have put rural and semi-urban populations on high alert.Photo: Imran Nissar All that remains: People look on after floodwaters cause structural damage in Beerwah, a popular tourist destination.Photo: Imran Nissar Field study: A man walks through a paddy field in Kulgam. Prolonged heavy rain poses a threat to the local agrarian economy. Published - July 26, 2026 09:57 am IST