Torrential rains in the early hours of Sunday triggered flash floods and landslides, causing massive devastation in the Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. At least 11 people have lost their lives in the disaster so far, while several others remain missing.
जम्मू-कश्मीर में आसमान से उतरा मौत का सैलाब, बारिश के कहर से पुंछ में बाढ़-भूस्खलन से 11 की मौत, कई लापता
Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir. The death toll from flash floods and landslides in Poonch district has risen to 10. The Surankote area bore the brunt of the disaster, claiming the lives of nine people—including six members of a single family—while one person died in the Haveli area. Several people remain missing, and relief and rescue operations are proceeding on a war footing. Meanwhile, a major road in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district has been blocked due to a massive landslide.
Severe Devastation in Poonch’s Surankote; Many Still Missing
Incessant rains triggered flash floods across several areas of Poonch district. The Surankote region suffered the most damage, with nine fatalities, including six members of the same family. One person lost their life in the Haveli area, where at least seven houses were damaged. Property damage was also reported in the Mandi region. According to the administration, reports of missing persons from various areas raise concerns that the death toll could rise. Waterlogging in low-lying areas has submerged roads and damaged numerous homes.
SDRF-NDRF Rescue Operations Underway; Search Using Helicopters and Boats
Teams from the SDRF, NDRF, and local administration are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations in the disaster-hit areas. Boats and helicopters are being deployed to search for the missing. The injured are receiving medical treatment, and the process for the rehabilitation and compensation of affected families has been initiated. Many families have been relocated to safer areas, and arrangements for food, medicines, and other essentials are being made at relief camps.
Major Road Blocked by Landslide in Chamba; Tourists Face Difficulties
The impact of heavy rainfall was also felt in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district. In the Bhatiyat region, a massive landslide caused a section of the mountain to collapse onto the Lahdu-Sinhunta road, bringing traffic to a complete halt. Fortunately, no vehicles or pedestrians were present at the site when the incident occurred. This route is considered vital for connectivity between Dharamshala, Chamba, and Dalhousie. The Meteorological Department had already issued a heavy rainfall warning, and the risk of landslides persists in the hilly regions.
Heavy Rain Alert for the Coming Days
Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke over the phone with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take stock of the situation. He assured them of all possible assistance from the Central Government and stated that central agencies are working alongside the state government on relief operations.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has warned of a continuing risk of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides in several areas of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand over the next few days. Residents in districts including Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, and Mandi have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay away from rivers, streams, and mountain slopes. Experts state that changing weather patterns and incidents of extreme rainfall in hilly regions are continuously increasing the risk of such natural disasters.
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