Rain wreaks havoc in Kashmir

2 killed, 2 go missing as cab falls into stream; schools shut

Days of incessant rains and unexpected snowfall overnight on Thursday morning in Srinagar and other parts of the Valley created a flood-like situation in many parts of Kashmir.

At least two persons, including a minor girl, were killed and several others were injured in weather-related incidents whereas two persons are missing following a cab they were travelling in skidded off the road and fell in a mountain stream in Kokernag area of southern Anantnag district. Scores of residential houses have been damaged and communications disrupted across the Valley and some parts of Jammu region.

In multiple avalanches reported from various hilly areas, including Kargil, extensive damage has been caused to property, including Army installations. In one such incident, an Army post was buried in Kargil’s Batalik sector.

Officials said that while three soldiers were rescued, the fate of their two colleagues is not known.

However, the authorities said that the water-level in Jhelum, the main river which flows through the Valley before entering Pakistan, has crossed “flood alert” and not “danger” mark and asked people not to panic.

At 6 pm, the gauge reading of Jhelum at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar had touched alert level of 18 feet, the officials said.

While the rains and snowfall have disrupted communications with landslides, water-logging and washing away of some bridges led to the closure of several roads including the SrinagarJammu highway.

The cherry, almond and pear crops are also faced with a serious threat. Also, power supply to many areas was snapped and potable water supply too has been disrupted. Swelling rivers and streams set off panic buttons as the worst devastation caused by September 2014 floods is still haunting people.

The authorities have set up helplines in Srinagar and at all other district headquarters of the Valley and the weatherman has reassured that there would be overall improvement from Friday.

Earlier on Thursday, Kashmir’s divisional commissioner Baseer Ahmed Khan announced closure of schools and colleges till April 9.

— PTI A boatman clears snow from his Shikara at the Dal Lake in Srinagar on Thursday. Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir have been experiencing heavy rain and snowfall, a rare occurrence in April, for the past three days.