Torrential rains wreak havoc: 12 dead, several missing as flash floods hit J&K's Rajouri, Poonch
PTC News Desk: Flash floods caused by heavy overnight rain created widespread destruction in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts on Sunday, killing 12 people, leaving five others missing and forcing hundreds of residents to leave their homes, officials said.
Three people died in Poonch after a house collapsed due to the heavy rain, while another person lost their life in Rajouri following landslides and flash floods. Rescue teams are continuing their search for at least five people who are still missing.
In Poonch's Haveli area, seven houses were damaged because of the severe weather.
Rajouri was among the worst-affected areas, with overflowing rivers flooding roads and residential areas. Dozens of vehicles were swept away or submerged after rivers crossed the danger mark. Rescue teams and local authorities launched evacuation operations and are assessing the damage.
The flooding comes as the weather department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23.
Rajouri received continuous rainfall from Saturday evening, followed by heavy overnight showers that caused rivers and streams to overflow.
According to official data, Reasi recorded the highest rainfall at 106 mm, followed by Rajouri (103 mm), Udhampur (101.6 mm), Katra (85 mm), Poonch (77 mm) and Batote (57.5 mm) during the last 24 hours.
Officials said major rivers in Rajouri, including the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola, were flowing at or above the danger level, flooding several low-lying areas.
The Darhali River breached a flood protection wall near Bela Colony, sending water into the new bus stand, where many vehicles were washed away or left underwater.
The slum settlement near Abdullah Bridge was among the worst-hit areas, with more than 50 families forced to evacuate after floodwaters entered their homes.
- With inputs from agencies
