1 killed, 13 structures washed away, traffic disrupted on Jammu-Sgr NH
Minor was killed and thirteen structures, including a school building, were washed away while at least 20 others got partially damaged on Wednesday in flash floods triggered due to cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district. Moreover, the traffic on strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway disrupted due to blockade caused by mudslides at several places in Ramban.
An 11-year-old boy died after he was hit by a shooting stone in Lower Bhangai village of Thanamandi in Rajouri district.
An official said that the boy identified as Mohammad Yasir (11) son of Mohammad Farooq of Lower Bhangai was hit by a shooting stone. He said that the boy died on the spot and his body was later taken to a nearby hospital.
The official said that after medico-legal formalities body was handed over to his family members. Top districts officials, including Deputy Commissioner Vikas Sharma, Senior Superintendent of Police Abdul Qayoom and Thathri Sub-Divisional Magistrate Ather Amin Zargar reached the spot and took stock of the situation.
Allama Iqbal Memorial Educational Institution, a house, eight ‘gharats’ (small mills) and three shops got washed away in the flashfloods due to the cloudburst in Tanta area of Kahara tehsil, SDM Zargar said.
A portion of the Kahara tourism reception centre, Bhadarwah Development Authority, was badly damaged. More than 20 structures were partially damaged, but no loss of life or serious injury was reported, he added.
DC Sharma said, “We are assessing the loss and relief will be provided as per rules.”
He also said some essential items will be provided as quick relief from Red Cross organisation.
Meanwhile, the district administration has issued an advisory in view of inclement weather conditions.
It asked the public to remain vigilant and keep themselves away from River Chenab in view of the rise in water level in the river and apprehension of flash floods in streams and river tributaries.
Meanwhile, the strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway was reopened following a brief blockade caused by mudslides at several places in Ramban district triggered by heavy rains.
The blockade had brought hundreds of vehicles, including a convoy of Amarnath pilgrims, to a halt, official said.
Ramban Deputy Superintendent of Police Pradeep Kumar Sen said heavy rains on early Wednesday morning led to mudslides and shooting stones in many areas.
However, men and machines were deployed soon and the highway was cleared of debris. The stranded vehicles have been allowed to proceed to their destinations, officials said.
