Tragic Losses Due to Flash Floods in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu, Jun 26 (PTI) Heavy rains and cloudbursts have led to flash floods across various districts in Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the unfortunate loss of three lives, including two children, while four people were successfully rescued. These incidents were reported from the Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, and Kathua districts.

In Kalakote's Sialsui Mou village, Rajouri, 14-year-old Shaqafat Ali and his cousin, 11-year-old Safeena Kousar, tragically drowned in a riverlet while grazing cattle when the cloudburst-induced floods struck. Locals retrieved their bodies for the last rites. Saima, aged 10, was also caught in the floodwaters but was saved by courageous local volunteers and is recuperating in a hospital.

In Doda, Basharat Hussain, a 32-year-old resident of Dunadi village, lost his life while bathing in the Lopa stream. His body was recovered on June 23 by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

Meanwhile, near Jarmal village in Kathua's Nagri block, two individuals, Baldev Raj (35) and Sushil Kumar (25), were rescued by the SDRF from the swollen Ujh river after being trapped during a fishing trip amid sudden rising waters. Additionally, a person was rescued from a stream in Poonch by the SDRF.

There were further reports of flash floods following cloudbursts in Qazi Mora, Poonch, and in several high-altitude areas of Doda, Udhampur, and Ramban districts, though no casualties were reported from these locations.

In response to the severe weather, district administrations in Rajouri and Doda, among others, have imposed strict bans on activities such as swimming, bathing, fishing, and roaming near water bodies. School picnics have also been prohibited. Public advisories are urging residents to stay alert and adhere to safety precautions throughout the rainy season.

Local police have been using vehicles equipped with public address systems to warn communities to steer clear of dangerously swollen water bodies.

According to the weather department, intermittent light to moderate rain accompanied by thundershowers is expected in many areas, with potential for heavy rainfall in some parts of Jammu division until Friday.