Poonch, July 19: At least ten people lost their lives after flash floods hit the Lower Murrah area of Bufliaz in Surankote tehsil of Poonch district on Sunday, officials said.

Block Medical Officer (BMO) Surankote, Dr. Mohd Yousaf Choudhary, said that several bodies have been recovered, while search and rescue teams continue efforts to trace those who were missing following the disaster.

Among the deceased are Noor Safia (59), wife of Mohd Latief; Sajad Ahmed (16), son of Mohd Latief; Haqnawaz Ahmed (10), son of Mohd Latief; Shahnawaz Ahmed (10), son of Mohd Latief; Khalda Kouser (25), wife of Yasar Iqbal; Sofian (2), son of Yasar Iqbal; Bano Bi (60), wife of Mohd Hussain; and Mohd Akram (7), son of Mohd Liaqat.

Officials said the flash floods also caused significant damage to infrastructure, uprooting electric poles and disrupting mobile network services in several parts of Poonch district.

Police personnel, civil administration officials, and local residents are jointly engaged in rescue and relief operations in the affected area.

Meanwhile, authorities said that both the Mughal Road and the Rajouri–Poonch highway remain open for vehicular traffic.