SRINAGAR: The death toll from flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rains in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri rose to 10 on Sunday, while several people remained missing, as rescue teams battled adverse weather to reach affected areas.
The worst devastation was reported from Surankote and other parts of Poonch district, where landslides, flash floods and house collapses claimed most of the lives. Rescue and relief operations involving the district administration, police, SDRF and other agencies continued throughout the day.
Speaking to Kashmir Life over phone, a top official said the death toll in the district has risen to 10, while several people are still missing. He said rescue teams have been deployed across the affected areas and efforts are underway to trace the missing, evacuate stranded residents and provide immediate relief to affected families.**
Officials said a landslide struck a house at Lower Murrah in Surankote during the early hours of Sunday, burying an entire family under the debris. Rescue teams recovered some bodies while search operations continued for those believed trapped beneath the rubble.
In separate incidents, several people lost their lives after houses collapsed due to incessant rainfall, while a minor girl drowned in a swollen stream. Bodies were also recovered from flooded streams and rivers in Poonch and Rajouri districts.
Rajouri town witnessed severe flooding after overnight rainfall caused rivers and streams to overflow, inundating low-lying localities and forcing hundreds of residents to move to safer places. Dozens of vehicles were swept away or submerged as floodwaters entered residential areas and damaged roads and public infrastructure.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir till July 23, prompting authorities to advise people to avoid travel through vulnerable areas.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was in New Delhi, announced that he was cutting short his visit and returning to Jammu to personally monitor the situation. In a post on X, he said safeguarding lives remained the government’s top priority and assured all possible assistance to those affected by the floods.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also reviewed the situation and directed the administration to ensure immediate rescue, relief and rehabilitation measures in the affected districts. Authorities said damage assessment would begin once weather conditions improve and rescue operations are completed.
