Seven Feared Dead After Flash Flood, Landslide Hit Loran Area of Poonch
Poonch, July 20, KNT: At least seven persons are feared to have lost their lives after a flash flood and landslide struck Domail Dhok Nandichool in the Loran area of Poonch district during the intervening night, triggering a massive rescue operation.
Officials said the victims were buried under mounds of debris after the flash flood and landslide hit the area following incessant rainfall.
The deceased have been identified as Zaida Begum (35), wife of Mohammad Rafiq of Lopadi, Loran; Adnan Rafiq (4), son of Mohammad Rafiq; Irzaa (2), daughter of Mohammad Rafiq; Shamim Akhter, wife of Rayaz Ahmad; Tanvir (22), son of Ghulam Mohammad; Irfan (22), son of Subhan Dar; and Sabina (30), wife of Abdul Majid.
Rescue teams, assisted by police, civil administration and local volunteers, immediately launched search operations in the affected area. Officials said three bodies had been recovered by the time this report was filed, while efforts were continuing to retrieve the remaining victims trapped beneath the debris.
The latest tragedy comes amid widespread devastation caused by heavy rainfall across the border district of Poonch, where flash floods and landslides have claimed several lives and caused extensive damage to houses, roads, agricultural land and public infrastructure over the past two days.
Authorities have urged residents living in vulnerable and hilly areas to remain alert as intermittent rainfall continues, increasing the risk of further landslides and flash floods.
Further details are awaited as rescue and retrieval operations continue. [KNT]
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