Death toll in Kashmir rises to 16, Waters begin to Recede

NEW DELHI: While as many as 15 dead bodies have been recovered in Central Kashmir's Budgam district, one youth has died in the Udhampur district following landslide and flash floods triggered by heavy rains respectively , in the Kashmir valley.

After a house at Laden village in Budgam district came under a landslide which was triggered due to heavy rains, fifteen bodies were recovered from the debris of the house on Monday.

Confirming the deaths, State Education Minister Naeem Akhtar said in the Assembly that it was an unfortunate incident, adding that the government is taking all measures to protect human life and property.

"Budgam incident is an unfortunate and we are trying everything to rescue people”, stated Naeem Akhtar.

Divulging the details, Senior Superintendent of Police, Budgam, Fayaz Ahmad Lone informed that a landslide had hit Hajam Mohalla of the Laden village of Charai-i-Sharief at 4.30 am and buried three families.

The police, army and civil forces all all united to rescue people in case of any eventualities.

In another incident, a youth was washed away after flash floods triggered by heavy rains lashed Udhampur district.

Meanwhile, as the water level is receding and rainfall has stopped, authorities have pressed in water pumps to dewater from important roads in the Srinagar city.

Fire service department has also been directed to help dewater the city which is witnessing deluge due to blockage of water.

Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed who toured the city on Monday have announced relief and compensation for affected families, businessmen and next to kin of the deceased.

While expressing grief over Budgam tragedy, Chief Minister said that the government would leave no stone unturned to help Kashmiris.

He directed all officials to remain vigilant in their respective districts and maintain coordination with government so that all possible help can be provided if the need arises.

Chief Minister immediately issued Rs 25 crore for Kashmir Valley and Rs 10 crore for Jammu for relief and rescue operation.

Meanwhile, the valley traders have expressed satisfaction over Mufti Government's immediate response to tackle the flood situation in the Valley.

Unlike his predecessor Omar Abdullah, J&K chief Minister Mufti Sayeed led the government from the front and immediately visited the Lal chowk to take stock of the situation.

"This is how a CM should be, he didn't wait for things to settle down, but immediately made himself visible on ground zero" said Farooq Ahmad, a trader at Lal chowk.

Mufti Sayeed have also announced relief to uninsured traders and assured that the government would help them in all possible ways.