New Delhi, July 19 -- In a tragic incident, at least 12 people lost their lives and several others were reported missing after heavy rainfall triggered landslides and flash floods across the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, according to officials. The extreme weather caused extensive damage to roads, houses, and other public and private infrastructure.

The disaster prompted Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to cancel his planned participation in the National Conference's statehood protest in Delhi on Monday and travel to Jammu to assess the situation and monitor relief operations. He arrived at the Civil Secretariat at around 6 pm and chaired a high-level review meeting.

Officials said the worst-hit area...