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Continuous rainfall caused flash floods and landslides in several villages. (Photo: X)
Jammu and Kashmir: Heavy rains made havoc in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday and caused flash floods and landslides in Poonch district which led to at least four deaths and left several others missing. Surankote tehsil was the worst affected area and rescue teams were sent to look out for missing people and help stranded families.
The authorities also took precautionary measures and temporarily cancelled the Amarnath Yatra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra in view of deteriorating weather.
Continuous rainfall caused flash floods and landslides in several villages of Surankote. It damaged houses and roads and public infrastructure. Authorities said four people including three women died in separate rain-related incidents and several others are missing, according to PTI report.
A 28-year-old woman Nazia Kousar died when her house gave way in Noonabandi village. Her husband and three young children were rescued with injuries. In another landslide incident a house in Lower Murrah was buried and six members of a family are missing. Rescue operations are still continuing.
The heavy rain has also resulted in flood-like conditions in neighbouring Rajouri district, where streams overflowing in low-lying areas has forced hundreds of people to move to safer areas. Debris is being removed, road links are being restored and relief is being distributed as more rain is expected in the next few days.
Authorities announced the suspension of Amarnath Yatra either from Pahalgam or Baltal routes effective immediately due to unfavourable weather conditions and the forecast of the India Meteorological Department. No pilgrim movement is possible from the Baltal, Nunwan/Chandanwari base camp or Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu till further notice.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra has also been suspended temporarily due to heavy rain in Katra and the Trikuta Hills in order to keep the devotees safe.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, returning from Delhi, announced that he would go to Jammu to oversee the situation personally. He added that the state administration has been monitoring the situation closely and is keeping a close watch on both the weather and the rescue operations and urged officials to take immediate relief measures for the residents affected.
Search teams are on alert as authorities continue to search for lost residents, assess damage and monitor the weather situation throughout Jammu and Kashmir.
