Srinagar, July 23: The death toll in the recent rain-triggered flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir has risen to 29 with the recovery of the body of a 25-year-old woman from Poonch district.
The body of Khalida Kouser, wife of Yasar Iqbal of Murrah village, was recovered near the Fazalabad footbridge in Surankote during a search operation, officials said.
She had been washed away in the devastating flash floods that struck the area on the night of July 18, they said.
Officials said the decomposed body was shifted to the Sub-district hospital in Surankote, where the village lambardar, Zakir Hussain, identified it.
After completing legal formalities, they said the body was handed over to her family for the last rites.
With the latest recovery, the death toll in flash floods in J&K has risen to 29.
Seven persons are still missing in the rain battered Poonch and Rajouri districts.
Meanwhile, a massive boulder rolled down a hillside and struck a vehicle on the Bagwah–Deesa road in Doda district today.
The impact completely crushed the vehicle.
Officials said no injuries or loss of life have been reported in the incident.
Authorities are monitoring the situation, while efforts are underway to clear the debris and restore normal movement on the Bagwah- Dessa road.
Meanwhile, Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) has issued an advisory for tourists and the general public, announcing the complete closure of movement towards the Thajiwas area in Sonamarg for the next two days in view of prevailing inclement weather conditions and incessant rainfall in the region.
According to the advisory, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure following continuous rainfall and the heightened risk of flash floods, landslides and shooting stones along vulnerable stretches leading to the popular tourist destination.
Authorities said that the safety of visitors remains the top priority, and restricting access to the area has become necessary to prevent any untoward incidents.
The Sonamarg Development Authority has advised all tourists, visitors and local residents to refrain from travelling towards the Thajiwas area during the closure period and to strictly adhere to instructions issued by the administration and other concerned agencies.
Officials said that weather conditions across Sonamarg and adjoining areas continue to remain unstable due to persistent rains over the past several days, resulting in an increased possibility of landslides and sudden water level rises in streams and nallahs.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and assessing the condition of roads and tourist spots before allowing normal movement to resume.