J&K floods: High alert sounded in Jammu, 15 trapped in landslide

JAMMU :  Jammu and Kashmir Government today sounded high  alert in view of rising water level in Tawi and Chenab  in this winter capital of the state even as 15 people were   trapped by a landslide in Rajouri.
Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and Doda-Kishtwar National Highway remained blocked due to continuous  rains for the past four days across Jammu region.
“We had already issued advisories but today issued fresh warnings and sounded alert as the water level in Tawi and Chenab are constantly increasing,” Ajit Sahu, Deputy Commissioner,  Jammu, told UNI.
Mr Sahu said the people, including nomads residing along the embankments, have been shifted to safer places while people living in the localities, few meters away from the river, have been asked to remain on alert.
“So far in Jammu district, several houses have been damaged and cattle died but there is no report of any human loss,” the DC said.
Mr Sahu said the flying squads have been directed to put people on alert and make time to time announcements.    He said six people, who were trapped in the Chenab water in Pargwal area, were rescued this morning with the assistance of the Indian Air Force chopper.
Reports from Poonch said flash floods had damaged houses in the remote belts while trapped people are also being rescued by the Army, police and SDRF teams.
In Rajouri, around 15 people were trapped in landslides and the rescue operation is in progress, police said.    They said various teams of police, army and other agencies have been pressed into service to launch the rescue operation. (AGENCIES)