RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): The devastation from monsoon rains triggered flash floods continues across Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir, as a female university lecturer was swept away by drain water in Rawalakot on Monday.
According to the police, the University of Poonch lecturer, Dr Lala, was swept away in a flash flood while driving through a drain near the university’s Tarar Campus.
The deceased’s vehicle became stuck in the drain due to the surging water level before being washed away by strong waves downstream.
Rescue officials said that Dr Lalah’s body has yet to be recovered as the extensive search operation is underway.
A cloud burst-triggered flooding in nullahs also severely affected Rawalakot, Bagh, and its surrounding areas as the rising water level disrupted daily life and caused damage to several roads.
The sudden flooding caused significant damage to houses, infrastructure, and agriculture as streets, markets, and low-lying settlements were submerged in water.
State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) AJK said that rescue and relief operations are underway after the destruction caused by heavy rains in the Poonch division.
The official said that people trapped in rainwater drains have been rescued and urged the public to take precautionary measures and avoid unnecessary travel.
Roads, including the Tain Dhalkot, Toli Pir, Lasdna, and Thala Mujahidabad roads, were closed due to landslides.
The bridge near Khadak was closed for four hours due to flooding, and the Sawa bridge on the Tatapani-Hajira Road, connecting Poonch and Mirpur divisions with Muzaffarabad, was severely damaged.
Many areas experienced prolonged load shedding due to collapsed power infrastructure and burning transformers. Water supply lines were damaged in several areas.
