10 killed, several missing as flash floods batter J&K's Poonch
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Jammu: At least 10 people were killed and several others remain missing after flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts on Sunday, officials said.
The fatalities occurred after flash floods struck the Lower Murrah area of Bufliaz in Surankote tehsil of Poonch district.
Block Medical Officer, Surankote, Dr Mohd Yousaf Choudhary, said rescue teams have so far recovered the bodies of 10 victims, while search operations are continuing to trace those still missing.
Of the deceased, eight have been identified as Noor Safia (59), wife of Mohd Latief; Sajad Ahmed (16), son of Mohd Latief; Haqnawaz Ahmed (10), son of Mohd Latief; Shahnawaz Ahmed (10), son of Mohd Latief; Khalda Kouser (25), wife of Yasar Iqbal; Sofian (2), son of Yasar Iqbal; Bano Bi (60), wife of Mohd Hussain; and Mohd Akram (7), son of Mohd Liaqat.
Officials said electric poles were uprooted and mobile network services were disrupted in several flood-hit areas of Poonch district. Personnel from the police, civil administration, SDRF and local residents are engaged in search, rescue and relief operations.
Authorities said both the Mughal Road and the Rajouri-Poonch highway remain open to traffic despite the severe weather conditions.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief over the loss of lives caused by the flash floods and landslides in Poonch. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
The Chief Minister said the civil administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police and other concerned agencies are working round the clock to carry out rescue and relief operations. He directed officials to ensure that all possible assistance reaches the affected families without delay.
In view of the Meteorological Department's weather warning and the deteriorating situation across parts of the Jammu division, Abdullah said he would leave Delhi on Sunday afternoon to fly to Jammu and personally monitor the situation on the ground.
He added that he has been in constant touch with local MLAs from the affected areas to assess the evolving situation and coordinate relief measures.
"While the situation continues to unfold, the priority of the administration is to safeguard precious lives. The government will do everything possible to aid and assist the affected people who have suffered loss of life, property and damage due to the heavy rains, flash floods and landslides," the Chief Minister said.
He reiterated that the government is closely monitoring the situation and will ensure that relief, rescue and rehabilitation measures are carried out swiftly and effectively in all affected areas.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir till July 23.
The border district of Rajouri witnessed relentless rain from Saturday evening, causing rivers and streams to overflow after a night of heavy downpour.
Officials said all major rivers in Rajouri, including the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola, were in spate, with most flowing close to or above the danger mark, leading to flooding in several low-lying areas.
The Darhali River breached the flood protection wall near Bela Colony in Rajouri town, sending floodwaters into the new bus stand, where dozens of vehicles were either washed away or submerged.
The flooding also severely affected the slum settlement near Abdullah Bridge, forcing more than 50 families to flee after their homes and surrounding areas were inundated.
Floodwaters also entered the locality near Tariq Bridge, prompting police to respond to multiple distress calls and evacuate residents to safer locations away from the riverbanks.
With IANS inputs