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Srinagar, July 19 : Rains created havoc in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday morning. Due to incessant rain, at least five people were killed in two house collapse incidents in Bani area of Kathua district, officials said.
“Two houses belonging to Mushtaq Ahmed and Abdul Qayum collapsed in Surjan Morha Aruad Block in Bani due to heavy rainfall. Five persons, including children, got buried under the debris of these houses. A rescue operation is underway to retrieve the bodies,” the local police informed the media.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Bani Satish Kumar said that there are reports of flash floods and landslides in other areas and rescue teams have been deputed. He has announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the deceased and Rs 25,000 for the injured.
Due to incessant rains, the water level in rivers and other streams rose up to the danger mark, prompting authorities to sound an alarm.
Roads and streets were waterlogged in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir including Srinagar.
Government closed all schools in different districts of Jammu following the massive rainfall.
An official said that Amarnath Yatra was suspended following the rains and gusty winds. In Katra Vishno Devi yatra was suspended as well.
Meanwhile, Jammu-Pathankot road in Kathua was also closed in view of the flood-like situation in Tarnah Nullah and a bridge on the Tarnah Nallah has suffered damage due to heavy rain.
Minister of State (PMO), Dr Jitendra Singh expressed concern over the damage caused due to rain.
“Concerned to learn about the damage caused to Chadwal bridge in Kathua due to flash floods, causing inconvenience to traffic. I immediately got in touch with DC Kathua, Rakesh Minhas as well as the NHAI authorities. My office is constantly following up on the matter for expeditious repair and redressal,” Singh Tweeted. [KNT]
