Rain, cloudbursts, and landslides… 152 deaths in a year, over 21,000 structures destroyedJNM journalist Hardeep Jamwal, JammuLast year, natural disasters wreaked such devastation in Jammu and Kashmir that the entire state will continue to suffer its scars for a long time. A total of 152 people died and 179 were injured in heavy rains, cloudbursts, and landslides. According to government figures, over 21,000 structures were damaged, mostly residential houses. In addition, 1,515 cattle were also killed.A report from the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation, and Reconstruction indicates that of the total fatalities, 151 were from the Jammu division and one from the Kashmir division. The deceased included approximately 100 pilgrims who lost their lives in August in incidents in Chishoti village in Kishtwar district and on the Vaishno Devi shrine pilgrimage route in Reasi district.On August 14, a horrific cloudburst in Chishoti killed 63 people, injured many more, and left 30 missing. Subsequently, on August 26, a landslide on the Vaishno Devi route, triggered by incessant rain, killed 32 people and injured 20 others.

Jammu Division Suffers the Most Destruction

According to government figures, 3,304 houses were completely destroyed, 1,818 severely damaged, and 11,622 partially affected in the Jammu division. Additionally, 3,531 huts and cattle sheds were destroyed, and 1,461 cattle died.

In the Kashmir division, 12 houses were completely damaged, 44 severely damaged, and 597 partially damaged. 71 huts and cattle sheds were damaged, and 54 cattle died.

Relief and Assistance
During the financial year 2025-26, Rs. 289.39 crore was released under the State Disaster Response Fund. Of this, Rs. 200.39 crore was allocated to the Jammu division and Rs. 89 crore to the Kashmir division for relief and restoration work.
Based on the report of the inter-ministerial central team, the central government approved Rs. 1,431 crore under the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment. Additionally, Rs. 100 crore was released for flood relief measures under the capex budget.
Financial assistance has also been provided to the families of the deceased and injured from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund and the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Last year’s tragedy has served as a major warning for the state. Experts believe that given the changing weather patterns and sensitive mountainous terrain, the disaster management system needs to be further strengthened to minimize future loss of life and property.