Storm hits Kashmir, hundreds of tourists rescued

Srinagar, May 18 (UNI) Hundreds of tourists and locals were rescued as normal life was thrown out of gear after a strong storm hit the Kashmir valley this evening.

Police said they rescued hundreds of tourists and houseboat and shikara occupants in the famed Dal and Nigeen Lakes after strong winds followed by heavy rains hit several parts of Kashmir.

Several shikaras and boats have reportedly capsized in the Dal and Nigeen Lakes.

Reports received here from several areas, including Uri, Lal Bazar and Soura, in the Kashmir valley said rooftops of hundreds of houses blew away due to strong winds. Several electric poles and trees were also uprooted in the storm.

People feared for their lives as there was no let up in the strong winds for several minutes. Several tourists thanked houseboat and shikara owners for saving their lives.

However, there were no initial reports of any casualty or of missing persons so far. Police did not rule out some tourists going missing in the storm. However, they could not confirm it.

UNI