Kishtwar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 17 : Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Ravinder Raina on Sunday expressed concerns over the flash floods and landslides in Kathua district and said that several houses have been affected due to the calamity.
Speaking to ANI, Raina said, "Relief and rescue operations are being conducted by the administration. A red alert has been issued for this natural disaster in Jammu-Kashmir. There has been a massive cloudburst here. Many houses have been affected by this deluge. This is very concerning."
The Indian Army, in coordination with the Jammu and Kashmir Police and civil administration, carried out rescue operations in flash flood-hit villages of Kathua district on Sunday, officials said.
At least seven people have died in a landslide triggered by heavy rain in Kathua district, while rescue and relief operations are underway in Kathua and Kishtwar, officials said on Sunday.
Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said operations are ongoing in Kathua after flash floods and a landslide cut off connectivity in several areas.
"There has been heavy rain in Kathua since last night. Seven people have died due to the landslide. Rescue operations are ongoing. Some people are being rescued by helicopters because the connectivity there has been cut off. Those who died due to the landslide, their bodies have been retrieved," he said.
Following the cloudburst and landslides, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the Central government was closely monitoring the situation and assured all possible support.