Army rescues locals from swollen river in Poonch

Army personnel conducted a swift and successful rescue operation at Lower Kuniyan in Poonch, where several civilians were stranded on an island in the swollen Poonch river following a sudden rise in water levels caused by heavy rains.

“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,” an official informed.

The official said that the soldiers displayed exemplary dedication as they risked their lives to reach the marooned civilians and bring them to safety. “The timely intervention not only prevented a potential tragedy but also reassured the local population of the Army’s readiness to respond in times of crisis,” the official said.

Meanwhile, the bodies of an eight-year-old girl and a 20-year-old man, who were swept away in flash floods on Monday, were recovered in twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, officials said.

Massive operations were launched by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and locals to trace the minor girl and the man who were washed away in the rising waters of Suran River and Mubarakhpura Nallah in Poonch and Rajouri districts, they said.

The body of 20-year-old Atif Shah was recovered on Tuesday from Munawar Tawi at Kalhar-Dalogra, around 15 km downstream from the incident site, officials said. “Shah was swept away while crossing a seasonal rivulet yesterday,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (SDRF) Zabeen Akther, who supervised the rescue efforts on-site.

“The body of Asia Kouser, who was swept away by strong currents near Umrah Ban Dhok yesterday, was recovered from the Suran river in the Shindra area of the district,” an official said.

Heavy rain on Monday triggered flash floods and landslides at several places, causing damage to multiple structures and roads in the Jammu region. Flash floods also occurred in several parts of Poonch, damaging some houses and a school in Khanetar.

J & K