Kashmir flood: 15 feared dead as three houses collapse in Badgam

Srinagar, March 30: At least 15 people were feared dead on Monday when three houses collapsed at Chadoora area in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, according to police.

Rescue operation is underway to recover injured persons.

Earlier in the day Jammu and Kashmir government declared floods in the Valley after River Jhelum crossed the danger mark due to heavy rainfall in the Valley. Avalanche warning has also been issued for next 24 hours in areas such as Kupwara, Ganderbal and Kargil. Centre has assured of full support to the state.

A government spokesman said that people living on the banks of the river Jhelum have been asked to remain alert and vigilant.

The spokesman quoted a communication from Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, which said, "Water levels of river Jhelum on 29-03-2015 at 2100 hrs at Sangam (South Kashmir) and Ram Munshi Bagh (Srinagar city) have touched 18'.4 feet and 16'.0 feet respectively."

He said all the employees deployed for flood control duty have been asked to report to their duties immediately. If the water level breaches 23 feet mark, the state will have to undertake a massive rescue operations and evacuate people from areas adjoining the river.

OneIndia News