Jammu-Srinagar Diocese Leads Relief as Flood-Hit Communities Struggle to Rebuild

Jammu & Kashmir, August 31, 2025 — Days after heavy rains triggered devastating flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, the Diocese of Jammu-Srinagar has taken a leading role in relief operations, providing shelter, food, and medical care to affected families.

The floods, which claimed at least 41 lives, left bridges collapsed, homes and businesses damaged, and thousands displaced. In Jammu district, more than 6,000 people had to be evacuated as rivers overflowed and landslides cut off key routes. Power lines and mobile towers were also brought down, paralysing communication and relief coordination. A pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine was suspended after a mountainside gave way on 26 August, burying stretches of the route under boulders and debris. Rescue teams continue to search the area amid fears of more people trapped.

Fr. Senoj, Director of the Catholic Social Service Society (CSSS), the social service wing of the Diocese, said the Church quickly mobilised its resources. During the peak flooding, Bishop Ivan Albert Pereira convened emergency meetings at the Bishop’s House, which became the command centre for diocesan relief. “Our teams of volunteers and social workers have been working tirelessly to deliver aid where it is needed most,” Fr. Senoj said.

Four diocesan schools were converted into temporary shelters with community kitchens, offering food, medicines, and safe lodging. Supplies were also sent to government-run schools serving as relief camps. Parish priests in the hardest-hit areas coordinated local support, helping their communities navigate the immediate crisis.

Current Situation on the Ground

As the rains have eased, residents are slowly returning home, beginning the painful task of cleaning and salvaging belongings. Many families, particularly those in single-storey houses, lost essentials such as mattresses, blankets, clothing, and groceries. Children’s education has been hit hard, with textbooks and copies washed away in the floods. Some families even lost vital certificates and documents.

While electricity and mobile connectivity have been restored in most urban and semi-urban areas, several rural villages remain without reliable power or network access. Reconnections are underway, but complete restoration will take more time. Schools in the affected areas are expected to reopen by 1 September, with efforts ongoing to replace lost textbooks and supplies for children.

External Support

Caritas International was among the first agencies to respond. “Their immediate support gave a much-needed boost to our efforts, both in resources and morale,” Fr. Senoj noted.

Despite the destruction, he emphasised the resilience of affected communities. “The sight of people cleaning their homes, clearing silt and debris, and preparing to rebuild is moving. The road to recovery will be long, but there is courage and solidarity everywhere,” he said.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Download Catholic Connect App for Daily News Updates: 

Android: Click here to download

iOS: Click here to download