Shaharbeen Times Monitoring Desk
Jammu, July 19: At least 11 people lost their lives while seven others remain missing after torrential rains triggered devastating flash floods and landslides across the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, officials said.
The worst-hit area was Surankote tehsil in Poonch district, where most of the fatalities were reported. Rescue teams from multiple agencies have been deployed and are racing against time to trace the missing despite continuous rainfall, damaged roads and difficult terrain.
Heavy downpours caused flash floods, landslides and widespread disruption in several parts of the region, damaging infrastructure and hampering rescue operations. Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as adverse weather conditions continue.
In view of the deteriorating situation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was in New Delhi for the proposed protest seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, cut short his visit and decided to return to Jammu to monitor the situation and oversee relief and rescue efforts.
The administration has mobilised district officials, disaster response teams and security personnel to assist affected families and restore connectivity in the worst-hit areas. Efforts are underway to assess the extent of damage caused by the incessant rainfall.
Officials said rescue and relief operations are continuing, and the casualty toll could change as search teams continue to look for the missing. Residents have been advised to avoid travel to landslide-prone areas and follow advisories issued by the authorities.
