Jammu, July 22 (PTI) The search for missing persons following devastating flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district is underway, with joint teams of the police and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) carrying out extensive operations along swollen rivers, officials said on Wednesday At least 16 people were killed and nine went missing after torrential rains unleashed landslides and flash floods across the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri over Sunday and Monday, causing widespread damage to public and private infrastructure including roads and houses, officials said.
They said search teams are combing both banks of the nallah from Bufliaz to Pradhan Ali despite difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions.
Police said the operation is being carried out in coordination with concerned agencies and would continue until every missing person is traced.
Flash floods struck Bufliaz area of Surankote in Poonch district, leaving eight people dead and five others missing. Search and rescue operations are underway on a war footing since the tragedy.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has restored road connectivity at several places in the twin districts after heavy rains triggered multiple landslides, disrupting vehicular movement.
Under Project Sampark, the BRO deployed personnel and machinery to clear debris from strategic roads, ensuring uninterrupted movement of security forces and the supply of essential services, they said.
They said its teams worked round-the-clock in adverse weather to keep critical border roads open.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspector General of Police Bhim Sen Tuti visited the flash flood-affected areas of Poonch to assess the ground situation and review restoration works.
The two senior officers met families who lost their loved ones in the disaster and conveyed their condolences, assuring them of all possible assistance from the administration.
They also reviewed the progress of restoration works and directed concerned officers to expedite the restoration of essential services and damaged infrastructure.
The divisional commissioner instructed officials to ensure timely relief and all necessary support to the affected families, while directing the departments concerned to take all required measures for safety and well-being of the affected population. PTI AB ARB
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