Poonch, July 20: At least seven people are feared dead after a flash flood and landslide struck the Domail Dhok Nandichool area in Loran of Poonch district during the intervening night, prompting an extensive rescue operation.

Officials said the victims were trapped beneath huge mounds of debris after torrential rainfall triggered the flash flood and landslide.

The deceased have been identified as Zaida Begum (35), wife of Mohammad Rafiq of Lopadi, Loran; Adnan Rafiq (4), son of Mohammad Rafiq; Irzaa (2), daughter of Mohammad Rafiq; Shamim Akhter, wife of Rayaz Ahmad; Tanvir (22), son of Ghulam Mohammad; Irfan (22), son of Subhan Dar; and Sabina (30), wife of Abdul Majid.

Police, civil administration officials, rescue teams, and local volunteers rushed to the affected area and launched search and rescue operations. Officials said that three bodies had been recovered by the time of filing this report, while efforts were underway to retrieve the remaining victims believed to be trapped under the debris.

The incident comes amid widespread destruction caused by continuous heavy rainfall across Poonch district. Over the past two days, flash floods and landslides have resulted in multiple casualties and caused significant damage to residential houses, roads, agricultural fields, and public infrastructure.

Authorities have advised residents, particularly those living in vulnerable and hilly areas, to remain vigilant as intermittent rainfall continues, raising the risk of additional landslides and flash floods.

Rescue and retrieval operations are continuing, and further details are awaited.