Cloudburst hits Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar; 7 dead, 27 missing

Photo for representational purpose

Seven people died, 12 were rescued while 27 went missing on Wednesday in flash floods triggered by cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district.

Shafqat Hussain, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kishtwar told reporters seven bodies have been recovered and 12 persons rescued in the cloudburst that hit Hunzar village in Dachan area of Kishtwar.

"Seven bodies have been recovered, 12 persons have been rescued so far while 25 to 27 are still missing.

"Rescue effort is going on. Police, army and SDRF are engaged in the rescue operation", SSP said.

The officer said heavy rain is continuing in the area that has been hampering the rescue operation.

Rescue teams had to cover 25 kms of motorable road and then trek 15 kms to reach the disaster site, SSP added.

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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a severe weather alert for Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday forecasting widespread heavy rain that can cause flash floods, landslides and also waterlogging in low lying areas.

Sonam Lotus, director of the IMD here said, "At present it is cloudy at most places of J&K with thunderstorms and rain at some places of Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and neighbourhood.

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