Torrential rain that lashed Poonch district in the early hours of Sunday triggered flash floods and landslides, causing widespread devastation across Surankote tehsil. At least four people have lost their lives, including three women, while several others are reported missing. Rescue teams from the administration, police, Army, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have launched large-scale search and relief operations in the affected areas.
In Noonabandi village, a house collapsed after being struck by a landslide, killing 28-year-old Nazia Kousar. Rescue personnel successfully pulled her husband, Mohammad Hafiz, and their three young children, aged between two and six years, out of the debris. The injured children were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The disaster also caused severe damage in Lower Murrah, where another residential house was completely buried under a massive landslide. The homeowner, Mohammad Latif, along with five members of his family, is reported missing. Rescue teams are using heavy machinery and cutters to search through the debris.
In another tragic incident, a minor girl identified as Iram was swept away by a swollen stream in the Madhot area. Meanwhile, the body of an unidentified woman was recovered near the Dhundhak Lathung Bridge, adding to the death toll.
Intermittent rainfall continues to hamper rescue operations, as authorities race against time to locate the missing persons. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed deep grief over the tragedy and assured all possible assistance to the affected families. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also reviewed the flood situation in Rajouri and Poonch, directing all departments to remain on high alert, evacuate vulnerable residents to safer locations, and provide immediate financial assistance to affected families.
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