“Everything Has Been Lost”: Kashmir Floods and Landslides Leave Dozens Dead, Hundreds Displaced

Indian-administered Kashmir is reeling under one of the worst natural disasters in recent years. Torrential rains over the past week triggered devastating floods and massive landslides, sweeping away homes, roads, and livelihoods. Dozens of lives have been lost, while hundreds more have been left injured or displaced, with many villages cut off due to washed-out roads and collapsed bridges. Authorities are warning that the full scale of the catastrophe may take days to emerge, as rescue operations struggle against treacherous terrain and worsening weather conditions.

The Human Cost: Families Torn Apart

Eyewitnesses describe harrowing scenes of people clinging to rooftops as rising waters engulfed entire neighborhoods. In many parts of South Kashmir, families who had little warning were forced to abandon everything within minutes.

One survivor from Anantnag district told local reporters: “The water came with such force that we barely managed to escape. Everything has been lost—our home, our crops, our livestock. We are left with nothing.”

Dozens of bodies have been recovered so far, with fears that the toll could climb as search-and-rescue teams reach remote villages. Makeshift shelters are being set up in schools and community halls, but conditions remain dire.

Disaster Preparedness in Question

This disaster has reignited a familiar debate: is Kashmir prepared to handle the increasing intensity of natural calamities? Experts say that climate change has exacerbated rainfall patterns across the Himalayas, leading to more frequent flash floods and landslides.

According to a United Nations climate assessment report, South Asia is among the regions most vulnerable to extreme weather events. With fragile mountain ecosystems and limited infrastructure, Kashmir sits on a knife’s edge. Yet, critics argue that despite repeated warnings, disaster preparedness measures have lagged.

A 2014 flood in the region left over 300 dead and displaced more than 2 million people. Since then, successive governments have promised improved drainage systems, early warning technologies, and resilient infrastructure. However, as the current tragedy demonstrates, many of those promises remain unfulfilled.

Rescue Operations: Racing Against Time

The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local volunteers are working around the clock to reach stranded families. Helicopters have been deployed to airlift people from inaccessible villages, while boats are ferrying supplies through submerged areas.

Officials have confirmed that nearly 15,000 people have been evacuated to safer zones. Still, rescue teams warn of delays due to incessant rainfall, mudslides blocking access roads, and the risk of more landslides.

The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted further heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming days, raising fears of secondary disasters. Relief agencies are scrambling to distribute food, clean water, and medical aid before conditions worsen.

Economic Devastation: Crops and Tourism Hit

Beyond the human tragedy, the floods have inflicted massive economic damage. Kashmir’s economy, heavily dependent on horticulture, agriculture, and tourism, is facing an unprecedented setback.

Apple orchards—the backbone of Kashmir’s horticulture industry—have been ravaged by floods and landslides. Early estimates suggest losses in the hundreds of crores, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of farmers.

Tourism, which was only beginning to recover after years of political instability, is once again in jeopardy. Popular destinations such as Pahalgam and Gulmarg have seen cancellations and closures as floodwaters wash away roads and damage hotels.

An environmental expert from Srinagar warned: “The floods are not just a natural disaster, they are an economic earthquake for Kashmir. Recovery will take years.”

Government Response and Criticism

The administration in Jammu and Kashmir has declared a state of emergency in the most severely affected districts. Relief camps have been established, while financial aid has been announced for families of the deceased and those who have lost property.

However, criticism is mounting over the government’s lack of foresight. Opposition leaders accuse authorities of failing to upgrade infrastructure and ignoring warnings from environmental experts.

The central government has pledged additional funds for relief and rehabilitation, but many locals remain skeptical. They point to past disasters where aid was delayed or mismanaged, leaving communities to fend for themselves long after the media spotlight had shifted elsewhere.

Environmental Lessons: The Need for Sustainable Development

This tragedy has highlighted the fragile balance between human settlement and the environment in mountainous regions like Kashmir. Experts emphasize the urgent need for sustainable development practices, including:

• Better Land-Use Planning: Preventing construction on floodplains and landslide-prone areas.

• River Management: Expanding drainage networks and dredging rivers to prevent overflow.

• Early Warning Systems: Leveraging satellite technology for accurate forecasting and alerts.

• Community Training: Preparing local populations through disaster response drills and awareness programs.

According to the World Bank, every dollar spent on disaster preparedness saves up to seven dollars in post-disaster relief and recovery. Kashmir’s repeated cycle of devastation underscores the urgency of investment in resilience.

The Human Spirit Amid Ruins

Despite the devastation, countless stories of courage and solidarity are emerging. Local communities have banded together to provide shelter, food, and comfort to those who lost everything. Volunteers, including students and religious groups, are distributing meals and organizing medical camps.

One rescue worker described carrying an elderly woman on his back through waist-deep water: “She kept saying she had no family left. At that moment, we all became her family.”

Such acts of humanity underscore the resilience of Kashmiris in the face of recurring tragedy.

Global Call for Support

As international media turns its spotlight on the disaster, humanitarian organizations are calling for global assistance. The International Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, and several UN agencies have expressed readiness to support ongoing relief efforts.

Climate activists are also highlighting Kashmir as a case study in the global climate crisis. They argue that wealthy nations must step up with climate financing to help vulnerable regions adapt and prepare for extreme weather.

Conclusion: A Tragedy That Demands Change

The floods and landslides in Kashmir are more than just a natural calamity; they are a stark reminder of what is at stake in an era of climate volatility. While immediate relief and rescue are the priorities, long-term solutions cannot be ignored. Unless systemic changes in infrastructure, preparedness, and climate resilience are made, Kashmir will remain trapped in a cycle of recurring disasters.

For the families who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods, rebuilding will take years. But for policymakers, the time for action is now. This tragedy must not fade into another footnote of forgotten disasters—it should be a turning point in how governments and communities prepare for a changing climate.