Flash Floods Kill 34, Displace 200,000 in Kashmir, Pakistan

Intense monsoon rains have caused severe flash floods and landslides in Indian-controlled Jammu and Kashmir, killing at least 34 people, most of whom were pilgrims on the route to the Vaishno Devi temple. The heavy rainfall, exceeding 15 inches in less than 24 hours, overwhelmed rivers and caused landslides that destroyed bridges and washed away entire residential areas. In neighboring Pakistan's Punjab province, swollen rivers from heavy rains and the release of water from Indian dams have displaced over 200,000 people, prompting mass evacuations, including more than 20,000 people near Lahore. Rescue operations involving the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force, and local authorities continue amid ongoing rain forecasts across the region. The floods have also submerged the shrine of Guru Nanak in Pakistan, and authorities have issued flood alerts for several rivers, while diplomatic channels have been used to notify Pakistan of potential cross-border flooding. The situation remains critical due to the region's mountainous terrain and political sensitivity, with relief efforts underway to support displaced and affected populations.