At least 10 people were killed, and several others remain missing after flash floods triggered by torrential rainfall tore through Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district on Sunday, leaving a trail of destruction and prompting large-scale rescue operations across the region.

The worst-affected area was Lower Murrah in Bufliaz, under Surankote tehsil of Poonch district, where floodwaters swept away homes and trapped residents.

Rescue teams comprising the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, civil administration and local volunteers have been deployed to search for those still missing.

Officials said eight of the deceased have been identified, including women and children, while search operations continue in the affected villages.

The heavy rainfall also uprooted electric poles and disrupted mobile connectivity in several parts of Poonch, hampering relief efforts.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives and said the administration, SDRF, police and other agencies were working round the clock to rescue those trapped and assist affected families.

He also announced that he would leave Delhi for Jammu to personally monitor the situation as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir until July 23.

The downpour also wreaked havoc in neighbouring Rajouri district, where overflowing rivers and streams inundated low-lying areas.

The Darhali River breached a flood protection wall near Bela Colony, sending water into the new bus stand and submerging several vehicles.

More than 50 families living near Abdullah Bridge and Tariq Bridge were evacuated after floodwaters entered residential areas.

As rescue operations intensified, emergency teams also rescued two people who were stranded in the Muradpur area of Rajouri after rapidly rising water levels left them trapped.

The district administration has advised residents to stay away from rivers, streams and other flood-prone areas, warning that water levels remain dangerously high due to continuous rainfall.

Amit Shah reviews flood situation

Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the evolving flood situation and spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to assess relief measures.

Assuring full support from the Centre, Shah said the Central Government would provide all possible assistance to ensure the safety of affected residents and support ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

Authorities said the Mughal Road and the Rajouri-Poonch highway remain open for traffic, but people have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and strictly follow official advisories as heavy rainfall is expected to continue over the coming days.