2 houses collapse amid heavy rains in Kathua; one person dies, more casualties feared

One person died and more casualties are feared after two houses collapsed following heavy rains in Bani area of Kathua district, officials and reports said on Wednesday.

They said two Houses belonging to Mushtaq Ahmed and Abdul Qayum collapsed in Surjan Morha Aruad Block in Bani due to heavy rainfall. Five persons including children got buried under these houses and the body of one person Mohammad Arif son ofAbdul Qayum has been recovered so far by the rescuers including police and local volunteers, they said.

SSP Kathua Shivdeep Singh Jamwal confirmed recovery of one body from the debris and told GNS that a massive rescue operation was underway. He responded in affirmative when asked if more casualties are feared.

Meanwhile, a woman identified as Naseema Begum wife of Mohammad Rafiq of Mandhota Tehsil Bani died after Landslide hit her, the officials said. Her body has been recovered, they added.

Also, body of 7th class student Ajay Singh son of Late Mohiner singh of Sitti Tehsil has been recovered from debris of another landslide in Bani near his residence, they said.

Also, One person Sham Lal son of Tara Chand of Bhullari Tehsil of Bani get buried due to land sliding and search operation is on, they said.

SDM Bani Satish Kumar told two bodies, one from debris of the house and another that of the woman from under landslide, have been recovered. He said there are reports of flash floods from other areas and teams of official have been deputed.