At least 10 people, including women and children, were killed after flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential overnight rain ravaged parts of Poonch and Rajouri districts on Sunday.
Officials said the worst-hit was Lower Murrah in Surankote, where floodwaters and landslide debris swept through residential areas. Nine deaths, including six members of a family, were reported from Surankote, while one person was killed in Haveli tehsil. Several others are feared trapped under debris.
Rescue operations involving police, SDRF, civil administration and local volunteers are underway, with heavy machinery deployed to clear debris and restore connectivity. The rains also damaged roads, bridges, houses and vehicles, while several roads remain blocked due to landslides.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, assuring all possible assistance from the Centre for rescue, relief and rehabilitation.
The Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir till July 23, with the risk of flash floods, landslides, mudslides and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.
