Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, July 15: Two minor girls of 6th class died and two others were rescued after they were trapped in flash flood at Dal river at Machhedi Billawar in this district this evening.
The unfortunate incident took place when four girl students of Kastrubagandhi Bhag Indra School, Nangala, Machhedi were crossing the Dal river which was in spate due to heavy rains in hilly area and they were drifted in the strong current of water while they were on way to their home after School closure at 4:00 pm.
Among the four girls, two were rescued by the people. The dead have been identified as Monika Devi, 13, daughter of Kunj Lal , a class 6th student and Radha Devi, daughter of Anchal Singh, both resident of Dhall Machhedi.
The other two girls who were rescued were Archana Devi, daughter of Raj Kumar and Monika Devi, 15, daughter of Prittam Singh, of class 8th both residents of Dhall Machhedi.
Archna was hospitalised in Billawar while Monika was handed over to her parents.
The locals raised a strong protest demonstration against the district administration for its failure in constructing a bridge on the river. They were demanding the bridge on Dal river to avert such eventualities. A police team led by SHO, Jatinder Singh also rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the protestors.
BDC Chairman, Kamal Kumar demanded enquiry into the matter as the girls were lonely going to their homes after closure of the school. He has demanded compensation to victim families.
Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh in his tweet has expressed shock and grief over the tragedy.
Union Minister, Dr Jitendra Singh tweeted “Just now spoken to DC Kathua, Rakesh Minhas after receiving the report about unfortunate incident of four school girls getting caught in flash floods in Billawar area. Sadly two of them lost their lives, while the third one is being given the required treatment in the hospital and fourth one has been sent home safely”.
“My condolence to the bereaved families’., My office is coordinating with the administration for all possible assistance. Meanwhile, parents in general, are advised not to let their children venture out during inclement weather”.
Meanwhile, LG Manoj Sinha has also condoled the death of two girls in Billawar. “The loss of precious young lives in a tragic flash flood incident in Kathua is heartbreaking. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved families. Praying for speedy recovery of the injured. Directed district administration to ensure all possible assistance to the affected families”, office of the LG J&K tweeted.
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