Shyam Sood
Rajouri-Kalakote, June 26: In a heart-wrenching tragedy, two minor cousins, including a girl, lost their lives in a flash flood, while another girl had a miraculous escape and is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital.
The deceased have been identified as Raqafat Ali (14), son of Mohd Shabir, and Safina Kouser (11), daughter of Mohd Kabir. The rescued girl, Farzana Kousar (13), is the real sister of the deceased Raqafat Ali.
A senior villager, Faiz Mohd, informed that the children had gone to graze cattle near a local nallah (seasonal stream).
Heavy rains in the mountains triggered a sudden flash flood in the nallah, catching the children unaware and sweeping them away in the strong current.
Upon receiving information about the incident, villagers and family members rushed to the spot to attempt a rescue. Police also arrived, and a search operation was launched.
After intense efforts, the rescue teams managed to save Farzana and recovered the bodies of the other two children about three kilometres downstream from the accident site.
A pall of gloom descended on the village. Hundreds of people, including the Kalakote MLA, civil administration officials, and army personnel, visited the village to express condolences to the bereaved families and assess the situation for providing necessary assistance.
The district administration has cautioned villagers—especially children and livestock herders—against venturing near swollen streams and water bodies during the ongoing monsoon season.
