LG Sinha Reviews Rain Havoc in Rajouri, Poonch; Orders Swift Relief, Rescue, and Immediate Assistance to Affected Families
JAMMU, Jul 19: At least four people, including three women, were killed, and several went missing after heavy rains triggered landslides and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district early Sunday, officials said.
All the deaths were reported from the worst-affected Surankote tehsil, where authorities have deployed rescue teams and intensified relief operations to reach stranded residents, clear affected areas, and provide immediate assistance to those impacted by the heavy rains, they said.
A 28-year-old woman, Nazia Kousar, was killed when her house collapsed in Noonabandi village. Her husband, Mohd Hafiz, and three children, aged between two and six years, were rescued with injuries and shifted to the hospital, officials said.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the flood and rain-related situation in Rajouri and Poonch districts following incessant rainfall and flash floods, directing authorities to ensure immediate relief, rescue, and assistance to all affected families.
According to a statement, the Lieutenant Governor held discussions with senior officials to assess the prevailing situation and monitor the ongoing response in the affected areas.
LG Sinha said rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing by teams from the civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, SDRF, and local volunteers, particularly in Rajouri district, where heavy rainfall has caused extensive damage.
He said all affected families have been shifted to safer locations, while every concerned department has been placed on high alert to expedite rescue operations, relief distribution, and restoration of essential services.
Appealing to the public, the Lieutenant Governor urged residents to remain calm, avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas, and strictly follow official advisories and updates issued by the administration.
Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives in Rajouri and the Haveli and Surankote areas of Poonch district, LG Sinha conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Meanwhile, earlier in the day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “In light of the weather warning put out by the meteorological department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of Jammu division, I will leave Delhi to fly to Jammu this afternoon to personally monitor the situation on the ground. The statehood protest will go ahead under the leadership of JKNC President Dr. Farooq Abdullah as planned.” (KNS).
