SRINAGAR: Member of Parliament from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, Mian Altaf Ahmad, on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by incessant rainfall, flash floods and landslides in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, urging the government to expedite rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
In a statement, the senior National Conference leader conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the weather-related disaster and expressed solidarity with those affected.
“The region has suffered immense devastation due to torrential rains that triggered flash floods and landslides, resulting in multiple fatalities and leaving several people missing. The worst-hit areas include Surankote and Haveli tehsils of Poonch, where landslides damaged residential houses, trapped families under debris and caused extensive destruction. Rajouri town has also witnessed widespread damage to infrastructure, with several vehicles submerged in floodwaters,” Mian Altaf said.
He appealed to the government and district administration to ensure immediate rescue operations and provide timely relief to the affected population.
“All possible measures must be taken to provide relief and rehabilitation to the victims. Disaster response teams should be deployed on a war footing to carry out rescue operations and assist people stranded in the affected areas,” he said.
The MP said he was in constant touch with the local administration and was closely monitoring the situation.
The appeal comes as heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours triggered flash floods and landslides across several parts of the Jammu region, particularly in Poonch and Rajouri, leaving at least 10 people dead and several others missing.
The calamity has damaged dozens of houses, washed away roads and bridges, disrupted traffic and power supply, and forced rescue teams to evacuate stranded residents from vulnerable areas. Authorities have launched relief operations while the India Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next 24 hours.
