Srinagar: Torrential rainfall unleashed widespread devastation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Sunday, claiming at least four lives and leaving several people unaccounted for as flash floods and landslides swept through vulnerable areas.
The worst impact was reported from Surankote tehsil, where continuous rain triggered slope failures, inundated villages and damaged residential structures. Emergency teams, along with local authorities, have launched extensive rescue and relief operations to trace those missing and assist affected families.
One of the victims, 28-year-old Nazia Kousar, lost her life after her home collapsed in Noonabandi village. Her husband, Mohd Hafiz, and their three young children were pulled from the debris with injuries and shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.
In another incident, a massive landslide buried a house in Lower Murrah, trapping members of a family inside. Officials said homeowner Mohd Latief and five relatives remain missing, with rescue personnel using heavy equipment and manual efforts to search through the debris.
Elsewhere, a young girl identified as Iram was swept away while crossing a stream in the Marhote area. Separately, rescuers recovered the body of an unidentified woman from a water channel near Dhundak Lathoong Bridge, taking the death toll to four.
Authorities said incessant rainfall has swollen rivers and seasonal streams across the district, increasing the risk of further landslides and flash flooding. Residents in vulnerable locations have been advised to remain alert and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
District officials confirmed that rescue teams are continuing operations despite challenging weather conditions. Relief measures, including temporary shelter, food supplies and medical assistance, are also being provided to families affected by the disaster.
The administration has appealed to people living in landslide-prone and low-lying areas to follow official advisories as weather conditions remain unstable across parts of the region.
