Two dozen injured in strong storm in Kashmir

Srinagar, May 19 (UNI) About two dozen people were injured when a strong wind with a speed of 74-km per hour hit the Kashmir valley,affecting electricity and water supply besides uprooting trees and damaging fruit crops.

Unconfirmed reports said four people have died in the storm.

Officials said they rescued about 250 tourists besides locals from the famed Dal and Nigeen Lakes after strong winds followed by heavy rains hit several parts of the valley, including the summer capital, Srinagar.

A police spokesman told UNI that about a dozen people have been injured across the valley due to the strong winds last night.

He said details about the damage to property was being gathered from different affected areas.

The sources said the storm hit several parts of the state, including Srinagar, causing extensive damage to fruit and other crops. Uri in north Kashmir was the worst hit where a number of houses and other structures were damaged.

A number of house boats were also uprooted in the Dal and Nigeen Lakes.

However, timely action by the police personnel from nearby police station along with firefighters and local shikarawalas saved the situation. More than 250 tourists, who were staying in different houseboats were rescued. All the tourists are safe and not a single guest was hurt, an official of the state tourism department said.

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