Flood fury in Jammu and Kashmir: Boat capsizes, 9 Army jawans washed away during rescue ops
Srinagar: At least nine Army personnel, including an officer, were on Saturday trapped in strong water currents of Jhelum River as their boat capsized during a rescue operation in flood-affected Pulwama district of Kashmir, an Army official said.
A boat carrying a team of Army personnel, who were on relief and rescue operation in Pamopore area of Pulwama district, capsized and were trapped in strong water currents in Jhelum River, the official said.
While 11 personnel managed to come back to safety, nine personnel are still trapped, he said, adding, two helicopters have been pressed into service to airlift the trapped Army personnel. "We have launched an operation to rescue them," the official said.
The flood situation in Kashmir was as worse as the Uttarakhand floods last year and Army has mobilised 60 columns for relief and rescue work across the valley, he said.
NDRF moves two more teams from Bathinda, one each for Srinagar and Jammu regions for rescue & relief work in flood affected areas.
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 6, 2014"Despite facing danger to personal safety, the army personnel are out there to provide relief to the civilian population of Kashmir," he said.
More than 5,000 persons have been rescued and evacuated to safety.
"We have set up temporary camps at several places for the displaced persons," he added.
Vehicular traffic stopped on Jammu-Pathankot highway due to incessant rain. (Photo: ANI Twitter)
The water level in Rambiara stream in Shopian district was also seen rising fast. Flood situation in Rajouri, Reasi and Udhampur districts continues to be grim.
At least 100 people have lost their lives due to floods in the state.
Watch: Srinagar cut off after heavy floods, Jammu Tavi River
Ghulam Nabi Azad speaks to the PM from Srinagar to declare the unprecedented loss of life & devastation in J&K as a "national calamity".
— ANI (@ANI_news) September 6, 2014