Poonch, July 23 -- Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the government is conducting a detailed assessment of the damage caused by the recent rain-related disaster in Poonch district and will prepare a concrete relief package for submission to the Government of India.

At least seven people died after a cloudburst triggered flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir's Surankote area of Poonch district on Sunday.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives, the deputy CM said the government had made adequate preparations and that the alertness of officials helped reduce casualties and ensure timely rescue operations.

"We are deeply saddened and regret the loss of so many lives in Poonch district. We never expected such loss...