Jammu, July 19 : Ten people were killed after cloudburst-triggered flash floods and landslides struck parts of Poonch district on Sunday, with the worst devastation reported from the Lower Murrah area of Bufliaz in Surankote tehsil, officials said.
The sudden surge of water and debris swept through the area, damaging houses and leaving several people trapped. Rescue teams, assisted by local residents, continued search operations amid difficult conditions.
Health officials said bodies of several victims had been recovered from the affected area, while efforts were on to locate others feared trapped under debris.
The deceased have been identified as Noor Safia (59), Sajad Ahmed (16), Haqnawaz Ahmed (10), Shahnawaz Ahmed (10), Khalda Kouser (25), Sofian (2), Bano Bi (60) and Mohammad Akram (7). Officials said the overall death toll has risen to 10.
The flash floods also caused widespread damage to public infrastructure. Electric poles were uprooted at several places, disrupting power supply, while mobile network services were affected in parts of the district, officials said.
Personnel from the police, civil administration and disaster response agencies have been deployed to the affected villages, with rescue and relief operations continuing round the clock.
Despite the heavy rain, the strategic Mughal Road and the Rajouri-Poonch highway remained open to traffic, providing a crucial link for movement of rescue teams and essential supplies, officials said.
Authorities have advised residents to avoid venturing near rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas as rainfall continues and the possibility of further flash floods cannot be ruled out.(KNS)
