5 killed in house collapse caused by incessant rain in J&K's Kathua

Jammu, July 19 Five people were killed in house collapse caused by incessant rain in J&K's Kathua district on Wednesday.Officials said that two residential houses collapsed in the Bani area of Kathua district due to heavy rain. Five people were killed in these two incidents.

Police 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."

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.

Meanwhile, rain lashed various parts of Jammu damaging roads with all major rivers including Tawi, Chenab, Basanter, Devak and Ujh flowing above the danger mark.

Authorities have ordered closure of all schools in Kathua, Doda, Rajouri and Kishtwar districts because of heavy rain causing swelling of water bodies.

Vaishno Devi Yatra and passage of pilgrims on the Amarnath Yatra was also suspended.

Officials said that new track to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been closed due to inclement weather conditions while chopper service has also been suspended in Reasi district, while schools in Kishtwar, Doda, Rajouri and upper reaches of Kathua have also been closed in view of inclement weather.

They said that a fresh batch of 4,900 pilgrims, which left for Amarnath shrine in Kashmir has been halted at Yatri Niwas Chanderkote in Ramban due to shooting stones and landslides.

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. The traffic was being diverted through the border road.

Minister of State (PMO), Dr. Jitendra Singh, who is also Member of Parliament from Udhampur-Kathua constituency, 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 have immediately got in touch with DC Kathua, Rakesh Minhas as well as the NHAI authorities. My office is constantly following up the matter for expeditious repair and redressal," the minister said on his Twitter page.

--IANS

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