Jammu, July 19: At least 10 people, including women and children, were killed while several others are feared missing after flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential overnight rainfall devastated parts of Poonch district on Sunday.
The worst-affected area was Lower Murrah in Surankote, where floodwaters and landslide debris swept through residential areas, burying houses and trapping families. Officials said nine deaths were reported from Surankote, including six members of a single family, while one person lost their life in Haveli tehsil.
Rescue teams comprising the Police, SDRF, civil administration and local volunteers are carrying out search and rescue operations despite continuous rainfall and difficult terrain. Heavy machinery has also been deployed to clear debris and restore road connectivity.
The heavy rains caused widespread damage to roads, bridges, houses, vehicles and other public infrastructure in Poonch and parts of Rajouri. Several roads remain blocked due to landslides, disrupting normal movement.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the situation and assured all possible assistance from the Centre for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The Meteorological Department has forecast widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23, warning of heavy rain, flash floods, landslides, mudslides and waterlogging in vulnerable areas. Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone locations until weather conditions improve.