One killed,12 wounded as two dozen houses collapse in Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 13 (UNI) One person was killed and 12 others wounded as more than two dozen houses collapsed due to heavy snowfall in overnight in the Kashmir valley, official sources said today.

They said one Abdul Hamid was killed when a huge branch of chinar trees fell down due to heavy snowfall at Chandgam in south Kashmir district of Pulwama.

The branch fell on Hamid, killing him instantly, they said.

About twelve other persons were injured in different parts of the valley after they slipped on snow or snow fell on them from roof tops, sources said adding they were admitted to hospitals. Most of the injured are with broken legs and arms.

They said more than two dozen houses collapsed under the weight of about one to two feet of snow.

A police spokesman told UNI houses collapsed at Ganderbal, Nowhatta, Zainakote and Zaindar Mohalla.

A security force shed collapsed under snow at Sanant Nagar while a jeep was damaged after a huge branch of a tree fell on it at Kangan. Two security force personnel were reportedly injured in these incidents.

Reports of house collapse were also received from Kupwara, Baramulla and Shopian where three to five feet of snowfall was recorded during the past 24 hours.

More than one thousand trees and electric poles also collapsed due to snowfall in the valley.

UNI