Jammu, 20 July (H.S.): Heavy rain on Monday severely hampered rescue operations in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch and Rajouri districts, a day after devastating flash floods and landslides claimed 12 lives and left several others missing.

The fresh spell of rain began around 3 am in the twin border districts and continued unabated till the last reports were received, making rescue and search operations difficult in the affected areas, officials said.

Swollen streams, slippery terrain and poor visibility hindered the movement of rescue teams, who have been racing against time to trace the missing.

At least 12 persons were killed in separate rain-related incidents in the two districts on Sunday, while the fate of seven people missing, including an employee of the Jal Shakti Department, remains unknown.

Police, Army, SDRF and Civil Defence personnel and local volunteers continued rescue efforts despite the adverse weather, the officials said.

They said the continuing rainfall has raised concerns over the possibility of fresh landslides and flash floods, with residents in vulnerable areas being advised to remain alert.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar