Heavy rains trigger flash floods & landslides in J&K; See Pics

Facing an unprecedented dry spell during the last three months, the rain was welcomed by the people in the Valley till it started threatening areas with flood and inundation. The heavy downpour lashed parts of Jammu & Kashmir, triggering flash floods and landslides that blocked the strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway with hundreds of vehicles stranded, and prompted authorities to shut schools in several districts.

Heavy rains lashed Jammu and Kashmir, triggering flash floods and landslides, with authorities forced to shut schools in several districts and evacuate people from low-lying areas. Credit: AFP Photo

In Kashmir, the Jhelum crossed the danger mark at Sangam in Anantnag district and the water level was rising in other rivers also, officials said. Credit: PTI Photo

A high alert has been sounded in areas close to river Chenab and its tributaries. Credit: PTI Photo

Snowfall in the higher reaches including the holy cave shrine of Amarnath has brought down the day temperature substantially, the officials said. Meanwhile, Police rescued 50 passengers travelling in ten vehicles which were trapped due to snowfall and heavy rains in the high-altitude area in Kishtwar district on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. Credit: AFP Photo

Vaishov stream, which flows mainly through Kulgam district, was flowing dangerously above the flood alert mark. However, the water level has started receding since 10 am, the officials said. Credit: PTI Photo

Authorities have started moving people from low-lying areas to safer locations. Credit: PTI Photo

Schools in many parts of the valley were closed due to the heavy rains which resulted in waterlogging in low-lying areas. Credit: AFP Photo

Many houses in Bemina, Rambagh and Rajbagh areas of the city were affected due to water-logging. Credit: PTI Photo

The water level in all the major and minor rivers and tributaries in Jammu and Kashmir rose sharply due to incessant rainfall during the last 48 hours as authorities closed schools in six districts to avoid any mishap. Credit: PTI Photo