Bodies of 2 flash flood victims recovered in Rajouri and Poonch; Army rescues civilians stranded on river island | India News

JAMMU: Bodies of two flash flood victims, including a minor girl, were found on Tuesday after intensive searches in Jammu’s Rajouri and Poonch districts, while Army troops, in a swift rescue operation, evacuated several people stranded on an island in the swollen Poonch River in Lower Kuniyan area of Poonch.According to officials, a search and rescue operation was launched by a joint team of SDRF, police and local volunteers to trace 20-year-old Atif Hussain Shah, a resident of Dassal, who was washed away while attempting to cross a stream at Mubarakhpura Keriyan village in Rajouri on Monday evening. Drones were also pressed into service, and Atif’s body was finally spotted at Dalogra, nearly 13 km downstream in the Munawar Tawi.SDRF DSP Jabeen Akhter told media persons that the body was fished out, and handed over to the family after completion of medico-legal proceedings.In another operation, joint rescue teams recovered the body of seven-year-old Aysia Kauser of Marah from the Suran River in Shindra area of Poonch after strenuous efforts. She was swept away by strong currents in a local rivulet near Dhoke Umrah, Bankasi, on Monday, officials said.Army personnel pulled out to safety a group of people stranded on the Poonch River island following a sudden rise in water levels following heavy rains.Jammu-based Defence PRO, Lt Col Suneel Bartwal, said: “Responding immediately to the distress call, a specially trained Army rescue team was mobilised and deployed with speed and precision. Despite the challenging terrain and strong water currents, the team ensured the safe evacuation of all seven trapped individuals, including women and children.”Authorities in both the border districts have issued advisories asking people to take all precautions in view of the weather challenges.