Flash floods damage power infrastructure in J-K's Rajouri

Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall have caused extensive damage to power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, washing away 15 transformers and damaging around 200 others, leading to widespread disruption in electricity supply, officials said.
According to Rajouri Power Development Department (PDD) Executive Engineer Javed Akhtar restoration work is being carried out on a war footing. Power supply has already been restored in several affected areas, while efforts are continuing to reconnect the remaining locations.Senior PDD officers, engineers, field staff and labourers have been deployed round the clock to repair the damaged network. Additional manpower has also been mobilised due to the scale of destruction, with local residents joining the restoration efforts.

#WATCH | Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir | Power infrastructure of Rajouri district suffers major damage due to the recent flash floods. According to the Power Development Department (PDD), 15 power transformers were washed away, while around 200 transformers were damaged, causing… pic.twitter.com/MI7Ryk5cgH

— ANI (@ANI) July 24, 2026

Officials said the operation remains challenging as several electricity poles were either washed away or severely damaged by the floods. Despite the difficult conditions, the department is continuing its large-scale restoration drive to restore power to all affected areas at the earliest.The flash floods come amid heavy rainfall across parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier this week, continuous rain in Reasi district and the upper catchment areas led to a sharp rise in water inflow into the Salal reservoir, prompting authorities to open all gates of the dam to regulate water levels.
The increased discharge from the reservoir caused the Chenab River to swell, with strong currents and rising water levels reported downstream. Authorities have been closely monitoring the situation and issued advisories asking people, especially those living in low-lying areas and along the riverbanks, to stay away from the Chenab.Since Tuesday, the district administration and Rajouri Police have been urging residents to remain alert amid the threat of flash floods, landslides, waterlogging and rising river levels. People have been advised to stay indoors unless travel is essential and to immediately contact the local administration or emergency services in case of any emergency.