At least seven residents from the Kashmir valley are feared dead after a massive landslide struck the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. The SDM Gurez confirmed that among those feared dead are at least four persons from Tulail, Bandipora.
These individuals were working as labourers in Himachal when the tragedy occurred. Rescue operations are currently underway. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) said that the landslide caused the collapse of two houses, leaving around 12–13 persons feared trapped.
“An NDRF team carried out collapsed structure search and rescue (CSSR) operations, during which three injured persons were rescued and one body was recovered. Search and rescue operations are continuing to trace the remaining trapped victims,” the NDRF posted on X.
Meanwhile, the flood threat in Kashmir eased after the water levels in the Jhelum River began to recede early Thursday morning. After continuous overnight rains, a flood alert was sounded in the Valley on Wednesday. Officials said the situation in Srinagar has improved with the water discharge gradually declining, reducing the immediate flood threat.
In Srinagar, police teams rescued and evacuated nearly 200 families from flood-affected areas as flood fears in the rest of the valley eased slightly following the receding of the water level in the Jhelum on Thursday.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also visited flood-affected areas in Budgam and the outskirts of Srinagar, reaching interior localities by boat to assess the situation. He directed the administration to evacuate families from inundated areas and to ensure temporary shelters equipped with essential supplies, including drinking water.
In the Kishtwar district of Jammu division, a landslide hit temporary sheds at the Ratle power project, prompting the administration to act swiftly and rescue five persons on Thursday.
The incident took place in the Dhrabshala area when a landslide hit the tin sheds meant for washrooms at the Ratle power project, they said. Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Sharma, who monitored the operation, said all the workers are safe.
In light of current water levels in the River Jhelum, the Jammu and Kashmir Lakes Conservation and Management Authority (J and K LCMA) has also issued an advisory for residents living in and around Dal Lake, particularly Dal dwellers and houseboat owners.
According to the notice, the water level in River Jhelum has crossed the danger mark of 21 feet. To regulate this surge, the gate at Ram Munshi Bagh may be opened at any time, as part of emergency water level management measures.
“In response to the ongoing flood-like situation and heavy waterlogging in various parts of the city, Srinagar Police, in close coordination with SDRF and River Police, has activated a comprehensive evacuation and relocation plan to safeguard the lives and well-being of affected citizens,” a police spokesman said.
The Jammu-Srinagar highway, Mughal Road and Sinthan Road remained closed for vehicular movement due to landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones at several places. Pilgrimage to the Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine also remained suspended on Thursday.
In the Jammu division, the administration has intensified restoration work and debris clearance in low-lying areas of Jammu city following flooding in the Tawi river, and has considerably restored water and power supply in the affected areas.
Officials said that they have restored 70 per cent of water supply and 80 per cent of the power supply.
“Cleanliness operations are being undertaken at a fast pace to remove muck and debris from localities and ensure they are fully cleared of deposits left by the floodwaters of the Tawi. The administration is fully working on this issue,” Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said.
Kumar, flanked by Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas and JMC Commissioner Devansh Yadav, monitored the operations carried out by labourers and machines after weather conditions improved on Thursday.
“A large number of labourers and JCBs are engaged to ensure the areas are cleaned as soon as possible. Officials are monitoring the process,” he said.
As far as relief is concerned, he said the assessment is being done by the deputy commissioner.
“Once that is completed, ex gratia will be given to the affected families. All possible support will be provided by the government, as it stands with people in this tough time,” he added.