RAWALAKOT, Azad Kashmir: Seven children were among 10 people killed on Monday after heavy rains caused a roof to collapse in Azad Kashmir.

The victims were buried under the debris of the house following the incident. Locals and neighbours dug out six bodies as well as four people in critical condition. They were shifted to the Kotli Hospital, where they died. At least three others have since been recovered and are under treatment.

The deputy commissioner of Poonch said that the darkness and rain hampered the rescue effort.

According to weather reports from the National Weather Forecasting Centre, the rain in Rawalakot in Azaad Kashmir, where Poonch district is located, was very heavy, with 22mm recorded on Monday.

The heavy rain left a trail of destruction, while also giving rise to fears of flooding at Kotli after Indai released water into the Poonch river.

According to the state disaster management authorities, 22 people have died in Azad Kashmir so far in rain-related accidents such as landslides, flooding, drowning and roof collapse.

They have asked those living near the river to temporarily evacuate for their own safety.