Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir: Flash floods triggered by intense rainfall have caused extensive damage to agricultural land and property in the Saaj and Plangher areas of Rajouri, leaving several families facing significant losses.
The sudden rise in water levels in local streams reportedly washed away portions of farmland, standing crops and other assets, severely affecting residents whose livelihoods depend largely on agriculture.
Paddy, maize fields washed away
According to an affected resident, heavy rainfall on July 19 caused floodwaters to surge through the area during the night. The force of the water eroded land around residential areas and swept away agricultural fields.
The resident said paddy and maize crops were among the major losses suffered by local families. In some places, the floodwaters also damaged houses and livestock shelters.
The scale of destruction has reportedly left several farming households without their primary source of income.
Residents allege lack of official response
Locals claimed that government attention has largely remained focused on areas where the destruction has been more widely reported, while smaller settlements affected by the flash floods have received little assistance.
One resident said around 25 to 30 households had lost portions of their agricultural land after the stream changed its course and eroded the surrounding area.
According to residents, some families have not only lost their crops but also portions of the land on which their homes and livestock facilities were located.
Farmers seek assessment and assistance
The affected residents have appealed to the administration to conduct an on-ground assessment of the damage and extend relief to families whose agricultural land and property have been affected.
They also expressed disappointment that their local MLA had not visited the affected area so far, saying that the absence of an official assessment had added to their concerns.
For families dependent almost entirely on maize and paddy cultivation, the loss of farmland and standing crops could have a serious impact on their income in the coming months.
Residents are now seeking immediate intervention from the district administration, including a detailed damage assessment, assistance for affected households and measures to prevent further erosion along the vulnerable streams.
