7 Dead, 20 Missing After Cloudburst Hits Village In J&K's Kishtwar

Seven people have died and at least 20 are reported missing after a cloudburst in a remote village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir early this morning, officials said. Several structures, including eight homes, were swept away by flash floods after heavy rain and cloudburst in the mountainous region of Chenab Valley.

Seventeen injured have been rescued. Rescue teams have been rushed to Honzar village of Dacchan tehsil, officials said. Two women are among the five dead.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and police chief Dilbagh Singh. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said the air force has been contacted for lifting the injured when required.

Bad weather is hampering the rescue operation, with several rescue teams waiting at airports, said VK Singh, a top official of Home Guard, Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force. "The village is a three hour journey on foot from the last road connectivity," he said.

Most parts of the Jammu region have been receiving heavy rain for the past few days. With the prediction of more rain till the end of this month, authorities in Kishtwar have asked people living along water bodies and slide-prone areas to remain vigilant. The water level is Chenab river has risen due to the heavy rain.

"The meteorological department has predicted heavy rains during the upcoming days and water levels in rivers and nallas (streams) are expected to rise, which can pose a threat to the inhabitants residing near rivers, nallas, water bodies and slide-prone areas," the district administration said in an advisory issued late on Tuesday night.

(With inputs from PTI)