The death toll from rain-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has risen to 23, with seven more people reportedly missing over the past two days after torrential rains wreaked havoc across multiple districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23, prompting authorities to remain on high alert.
The deadliest incident occurred in Poonch district, where seven people were trapped alive inside the debris of a mud house after a rain-induced landslide.
The deceased have been identified as Zahida Begum (38), her six-year-old son Manan Rafiq, four-year-old daughter Aleesa, brother-in-law Tanveer Ahmad Bhat (27), sisters-in-law Shamim Akhter (33) and Shabnam Bano (31), and her 17-year-old nephew Mohammad Irfan, all residents of Arigam village in Mandi tehsil.
With the latest fatalities, the cumulative death toll from rain-related incidents across Jammu and Kashmir has crossed 23 in just two days.
Authorities on Monday said that 10 people had died in Poonch and Rajouri, while several sustained injuries and seven people remain missing.
Swollen rivers, overflowing streams, damaged roads and poor visibility continued to hamper rescue and relief operations across the affected districts.
Search teams comprising the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, Civil Defence personnel and local volunteers remained engaged in efforts to trace the missing despite adverse weather conditions.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday reviewed the situation and directed officials to expedite the restoration of essential services and assess damage to public infrastructure and residential houses.
"I spoke to senior officials today to assess the impact of heavy rains, flash floods and landslides. I am deeply saddened by the loss of two lives in Doda, and my heart goes out to their families," Sinha said.
CM announces ex gratia for victims
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 6 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased victim. According to the government, the relief package includes Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and an additional Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF).
Also read: Eight shops damaged after land subsidence in Udhampur
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