Jammu and Kashmir is reeling under the impact of floods, landslides, and cloudbursts that have caused widespread destruction. The calamity has affected several districts, including Ramban, Jammu, Kishtwar, Doda, Kathua, and Reasi. The human toll has been devastating, with over 130 lives lost and many people still missing. More than 4300 houses have been damaged, some washed away, others sunk, and many left unsafe to live in. Thousands of residents have been displaced, with over 10,000 people evacuated from their homes. Families are now taking shelter in relief camps or with relatives, struggling to rebuild their lives. The floods have also destroyed farmland on nearly 1.4 lakh hectares, wiping out crops worth crores. Roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure have suffered significant damage, leaving communities isolated and vulnerable.
The CYDA team reached the flood-affected areas of Jammu to assess the severity of the calamity. The team visited Prem Nagar, Gujjar Nagar, Peerkhu, Rajeev Nagar, and Rajinder Nagar in Jammu district. It is heartbreaking to see that people have lost everything they built with years of hard work. Within the blink of an eye, the floods washed away their homes, belongings, and sources of income. Together with local authorities, CYDA is identifying the most vulnerable people such as persons with disabilities, the elderly, single women-headed households, and families from SC and ST communities.
During the visit, the team met an elderly couple living with their two sons, who have disabilities. They had taken shelter in a Gurudwara during the flood. Showing their damaged house, the woman said, “We are old. Our sons depend on us. We have lost everything. We don’t have the strength to start again.”
Many families face similar struggles. Most residents are daily wage earners, laborers, or workers from the informal sector. Their houses are either partially or completely damaged, and their livelihoods are lost. A woman working as a delivery assistant shared, “My scooty was swept away. I don’t know how I will continue my job. I don’t even have clothes—this T-shirt and pant I borrowed from my friend.”
This is the reality for most families in these areas. Some are staying in Gurudwaras, Madrasas, or even cremation grounds. Inside many houses, three feet of mud has collected. People are trying to clean their homes on their own. The labor charges are very high in these locations and they cannot afford them.
CYDA’s Intervention
CYDA has adopted a two-fold intervention plan- immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation.
Immediate Support:
Vulnerable families will receive ‘Back to Home’ Kits, which include three types of support: household essentials, medical and hygiene supplies, and house-cleaning and disinfectant items.
On 10th September 2025, CYDA reached out to flood-affected families in Jammu to provide immediate relief. CYDA distributed three types of kits in collaboration with District Administration Jammu, Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana (BJS), and Ahasan Foundation. A total of 55 marginalized families (about 330 people) from Rajeev Nagar, Jammu city, received the support.
The program was attended by Ms. Ansuya Jamwal, Additional District Commissioner, Jammu; Mr. Ajay Sharma, South Superintendent of Police; Mr. Vijay Malhas, Ward President, Rajeev Nagar; Mr. Sandeep Jain, State President of BJS, J&K; CYDA representatives Dr. Nitin Jadhav and Mr. Zaid Khan; and Mr. Rahul Kumar, President of Attri Youth Club.
Ms. Ansuya Jamwal and Mr. Ajay Sharma emphasized the importance of community solidarity and appreciated CYDA’s timely support in helping families rebuild their lives with dignity.
Long-Term Support:
In addition to immediate assistance, CYDA will focus on sustainable rehabilitation to restore housing, education, sanitation, and livelihoods. This will ensure families can rebuild their lives with dignity.
Repair of Houses
One resident from Rajinder Nagar said, “Somehow we will manage food, but how will we repair our homes? We cannot do that on our own.” Many homes now have broken roofs and weak walls, making them unsafe. Families need repair and restoration so they can return to safe housing.
Repair of Schools
The schools are in a damaged state due to the floods. This makes it unsafe and disrupts the education.Repairing schools will ensure that education continues without interruption.
Sanitation and Retrofitting
One lady who works as a house help, while showing her small damaged washroom, said, ‘We don’t have any option but to go for open defecation. Toilets and drains in many areas are blocked or damaged. This forces people to use unsafe practices, thereby increasing health risks. Cleaning, repairing, and improving community sanitation systems is urgently needed.
Livelihood Support
One man who runs a laundry business said, ‘I had two washing machines… now they are filled with mud and completely damaged. Daily wage earners, vendors, tailors, and shopkeepers have lost their income because their tools and goods were destroyed. They need help to restart small businesses, replace equipment, and create stable income opportunities.
