Poonch, July 19: A devastating spell of torrential rainfall triggered flash floods and massive landslides across the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri on Sunday, leaving at least eight people dead and six others missing, with the worst destruction reported from the Lower Murrah area of Surankote in Poonch district.
Officials said relentless overnight rainfall unleashed flash floods and landslides that swept through several villages, burying houses under debris, damaging roads and infrastructure, and trapping several families. Rescue teams rushed to the affected areas after reports of widespread devastation emerged.
According to officials, all eight fatalities were reported from the severely affected Lower Murrah locality. The deceased have been identified as Noor Safia (59), wife of Mohammad Latief; Sajad Ahmed (16), son of Mohammad Latief; Haqnawaz Ahmed (10), son of Mohammad Latief; Shahnawaz Ahmed (10), son of Mohammad Latief; Khalda Kouser (25), wife of Yasar Iqbal; Sofian (2), son of Yasar Iqbal; Bano Bi (60), wife of Mohammad Hussain; and Mohammad Akram (7), son of Mohammad Liaqat.
Officials said six persons are still unaccounted for, raising fears that the death toll could increase. Search operations are underway to locate those believed to have been swept away by floodwaters or buried beneath landslide debris.
A large-scale rescue operation involving the Police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), civil administration, and local volunteers is continuing despite challenging weather conditions. Heavy machinery has also been deployed to clear debris and reopen blocked routes to inaccessible villages.
The torrential rains have caused extensive damage to residential buildings, vehicles, roads, bridges, and public infrastructure across several parts of Poonch and adjoining Rajouri district. Flooded streams and overflowing nallahs have disrupted normal life, while communication and transportation have been severely affected in many areas.
The district administration has intensified relief and rescue efforts and appealed to residents to remain vigilant. People living in flood-prone and landslide-vulnerable areas have been advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and keep away from rivers, streams, and unstable hill slopes until weather conditions improve.
Authorities said relief measures are being carried out on a war footing, while the situation continues to be closely monitored as intermittent rainfall persists across the region. (KNC)
