AMN / Srinagar / Jammu
At least three persons, including a woman, were killed in rain-related incidents in different districts of the Jammu region today. Nearly a dozen ‘kacha’ houses were also damaged, while 28 cattle perished in the heavy rains in different districts. Several footbridges, including two in Udhampur district, were also washed away by the strong currents as most of the water bodies across the region are flooded.
Advisor to Governor B B Vyas told media in Srinagar that revenue teams are assessing the damage and relief would be distributed among the affected victims.
Hilly areas of Jammu regions, including Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri and Reasi districts, experienced heavy rains over the past two days.
In the wake of inclement weather in Kashmir Valley and landslide obstructions at few places along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, no fresh batch of Amarnath pilgrims was allowed to leave from Jammu to Kashmir today.
However, helicopter sorties were run in the forenoon and about 300 pilgrims reached the Holy Cave from Baltal Base Camp.
Earlier, Governor N N Vohra reviewed the flood preparedness at an emergency meeting this morning. Our correspondent reports, the Governor directed the Divisional administration and the Flood Control Department to ensure synergy to meet any eventuality arising out of flood situation.
Meanwhile, the traffic on the Jammu- Srinagar national highway was suspended today, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded. Officials said, Srinagar- bound vehicles were stopped at various places between Ramban and Banihal along the highway as a precautionary measure.
Local administration is making arrangements for the accommodation for the passengers. The passengers are being provided accommodation in various government buildings.
However, the vehicles heading for Jammu, including trucks, were allowed to move on the highway which is otherwise open for traffic.