2 Soldiers Die In Poonch After Being Swept Away In Flash Floods

Bodies of two soldiers, who were swept away by flash floods triggered by heavy rains, were recovered in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Sunday.

The Army personnel were crossing Dogra nallah in Surankote area when they were swept away by a strong current on Saturday, they said.

While the body of Naib Subedar Kuldeep Singh was fished out from the stream Saturday night, the mortal remains of the second soldier were recovered on Sunday.

The body of one of the deceased has been sent for postmortem, the officials said.

Paying tribute, Indian Army's 16 Corps said, "All Ranks salute the Supreme Sacrifice of Nb Sub Kuldeep Singh who while crossing a river during an Area Domination Patrol in difficult terrain of Poonch was swept away in a flash flood. Indian Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved family."

Meanwhile, a red alert has been issued for two districts in Jammu and Kashmir as the region witnessed heavy rainfall for the third consecutive day on Sunday.

"Red warning for Kathua, Samba and other lower catchment areas of Jammu region as risk of flood, flash flood increased considerably. All concerned are advised to stay alert during the next 24 hours," the IMD said.