Flash floods claim a youth’s life in Rajouri, search operation underway

Shyam Sood
Rajouri, August 18: Panic and chaos gripped the Dassal Karaiyan area of Rajouri town on Monday when a 19-year-old youth, Atif Shah, was swept away while crossing a seasonal rivulet.
A massive search operation was launched immediately, lasting nearly four hours, with the combined efforts of the SDRF, local administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and residents.
SSP Rajouri Gaurav Sikarwar and Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma personally visited the site and supervised the rescue operation. However, the youth’s body could not be recovered till the filing of this report.
According to eyewitnesses, Atif was returning home after attending a religious function when he slipped while crossing the river.
A companion who was with him said that a sudden surge in the water current swept him away.
Despite continuous and large-scale search efforts, neither the body nor any trace of the youth has been found so far. The operation remains underway.
Authorities have once again reminded people that despite repeated advisories and appeals from the district administration and police, many continue to risk their lives by attempting to cross swollen rivers and streams, often leading to tragic incidents like this.