JAMMU, July 19: At least 11 people lost their lives and seven others remained missing after torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, officials said.

The worst-hit area was Surankote tehsil in Poonch district, where most of the fatalities were reported. Rescue teams from multiple agencies were deployed to search for the missing despite continuing rainfall and road blockages caused by landslides.

In view of the worsening weather situation and widespread damage, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah cut short his visit to New Delhi, where he was attending a proposed protest seeking restoration of statehood, and returned to Jammu to monitor relief and rescue efforts.