Srinagar, July 22 -- Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives and widespread damage caused by torrential rains, flash floods and landslides across Jammu and Kashmir, and urged the Centre to announce a special relief package for the affected areas.

In a statement, Dr. Farooq said the heavy rainfall had caused extensive destruction in Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and other districts, damaging homes, roads, bridges, public infrastructure, agricultural land and livelihoods. He said flash floods inundated residential areas and markets, swept away vehicles and disrupted connectivity due to landslides, affecting rescue and relief operations.

Describing the devastation as eno...