Tragic Landslide in Poonch, Jammu and Kashmir Claims Seven Lives
Landslide Incident in Poonch District
In the Poonch district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, a landslide has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals, including four women. This unfortunate event occurred in the village of Loran, which has been experiencing heavy rainfall. Rescue operations are currently underway, with teams deployed to search for survivors. Poonch is one of the regions in Jammu and Kashmir that has faced significant rainfall, leading to flash floods and landslides in various areas. So far, authorities have reported approximately 17 fatalities in Poonch district, with concerns that this number may rise as six individuals remain unaccounted for.
Compensation Announced by Chief Minister Abdullah
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is closely monitoring the situation. He has announced immediate assistance for the affected families, pledging a compensation of 600,000 rupees for each deceased individual. This amount will be sourced from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF). Abdullah is also in contact with local legislators and emphasized that saving lives is the top priority of his government. In a statement on social media, he assured that the government will make every effort to assist those whose properties have been damaged by the rains and sudden floods.
Ongoing Heavy Rainfall and Safety Measures
The heavy rainfall continues in the Union Territory, prompting the administration to deploy civil defense personnel to monitor bridges, rivers, and other vulnerable water sources in the Jammu area. Residents have been advised to remain cautious and avoid flood-affected regions. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this spell of heavy rain is expected to persist until July 23. In light of this, alerts have already been issued for Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Rajouri, Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar, Reasi, and Udhampur, warning of potential flash floods and landslides.