4 dead, 40 to 50 missing after cloudburst triggers flash floods in Kishtwar village

Jammu:As many as four bodies were recovered after a cloudburst triggered flash floods on early Wednesday in remote village Honjar of Dachhan in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.


However, several people are still said to be missing.An administrative official here said that bodies of four people have been recovered even as heavy rains have been hindering search operation to trace out missing people, adding, "flash floods triggered by cloudburst hit around population of 8-9 houses in the area."

He further said that several people are still missing, adding, "the exact number of missing people is not yet known."

Teams of Police, Army and SDRF have reached the spot and rescue operation is still in progress.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Ashok Sharma confirmed the report of cloudburst to UNI and said, "it is a remote village and exact details of missing persons or any casualties are yet to be received."

"There is a population of 8 to 10 houses from where the cloudburst is reported. Rescue teams are dispatched to the spot which is an on-foot travel of few kilometres," he said adding more details are awaited.

The MeT have also sounded weather alert with advisory.

"At present, it's cloudy at most place s of J&K with thunderstorm and rain at some places of Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and neighbourhood," Sonam Lotus, Director IMD, J&K said.

He said that widespread intermittent rain will most likely continue till July 30 and heavy rain is also possible at some places.

In an advisory, the MeT said that it may lead to flash flood, mudslide, landslide and water logging (low lying areas). "Accordingly, people are advised to remain alert and very cautious as water levels have increased in all rivers. Don't venture out on hilly and landslides, mudslide prone areas," said Dr Lotus.

Kishtwar police is making announcements in their respective jurisdictions appealing people to stay alert and shift to safer destinations.

Moreover in view of incessant and heavy rainfall in Kishtwar district, water level in most of the Rivers and Nallahs is continuously rising and most of them are heavily flooded.

"There is every apprehension of landslides in Hilly areas," police said.

District Police have established help desk and people are advised to stay at home and not to move close to any water body.In case of any emergency, people can contact the officers and helpline numbers of police.(UNI)