39 die, 51 missing in avalanches

39 die, 51 missing in avalanches


Srinagar: In Donumgam hamlet of Poonch 24 were people killed when a landslide hit four houses belonging to Sanaullah son of Jamal Joo, Ahmad Jo son of Rasool Joo, Abdul Majid son of Wali Joo, Gulam Muhammad son of Wali Joo.
Fifteen persons died in avalanches in Waltengo and Nagri areas, 10 kilometres North-West of Jawahar Tunnel on Srinagar-Jammu highway, a defence spokesman said today. At least 40 persons reported to be missing in these areas are feared buried under the debris.
Army rescue and medical teams have rushed to the area, he said.
Colonel V K Batra, defence spokesman, said five civilians died in Waltengo village in the vicinity of Jawhar Tunnel. Twenty-nine persons, buried under the debris of avalanches too are feared dead.
In Nagri village, a massive landslide killed ten persons and buried ten others, the defence spokesman said.
Rescue and emergency medical teams of 49 Rashtriya Rifles have been sent to the area for aid of the civilians, the defence spokesman said.
Twelve persons have been reported missing in Arigam, a remote village of Poonch district, following a massive landslide that buried several houses, sources said.