Rajouri/Poonch: At least four people have lost their lives while several others remain missing after torrential rainfall triggered flash floods, landslides and house collapses across the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, prompting large-scale rescue and relief operations.
The worst-hit areas include Surankote and Haveli in Poonch district, where heavy overnight rains caused widespread devastation, damaging residential houses, washing away roads and disrupting normal life.
Officials said at least three bodies have been recovered from Surankote following multiple incidents of landslides and flash floods. Search and rescue teams are continuing operations as at least five persons are still reported missing. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as rescue efforts progress.
In another tragic incident, a woman lost her life after a house collapsed in Poonch, while her husband and two minor children sustained injuries. Officials said one of the injured was reported to be in critical condition.
The heavy rains have also caused extensive damage to residential property. In Haveli tehsil, at least seven houses have reportedly suffered damage due to the incessant rainfall.
The weather fury has severely affected road connectivity across the region. In Dingla village of Poonch district, the approach road was completely washed away following overnight rains, disrupting transportation and isolating the area. The district administration is expected to undertake damage assessment before restoration work begins.
In Rajouri district, overflowing nallahs and rising water levels have created an alarming situation in several areas. Heart-rending scenes of destruction have emerged from different parts of the district, where floodwaters have inundated low-lying areas and damaged public and private property.
Amid the worsening situation, Rajouri Police issued an advisory urging residents living near rivers and nallahs to remain vigilant and avoid venturing close to water bodies, warning that water levels continue to rise due to persistent rainfall.
Rescue teams, police, civil administration and disaster response personnel have been deployed across the affected areas to evacuate stranded residents, search for the missing and provide relief to affected families.
Officials said the overall extent of the damage is still being assessed, and a clearer picture of the loss of life and property is expected to emerge once rescue and recovery operations are completed. [KNT]
