44 dead in Kashmir floods, says minister

A total of 44 people were killed and 25 injured in the recent landslides and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir, the state government said on Wednesday.

Landslides, flash floods and avalanches triggered due to the incessant rain caused severe loss of life and property, Revenue Minister Javaid Mustafa Mir told the state legislative assembly.

A total of 12,565 structures were damaged. As many as 862 cattle died and 680 cowsheds were damaged, he said.

Many areas are still unsafe for living due to landslides and cave-ins.

The minister said 211 camps have been established in the state and 2,907 families evacuated to safer areas.

A total of 1,474 tents and 3,287 blankets have been provided to families who have lost their homes.

An amount of Rs.35 crore has been released to the divisional commissioners of Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley for providing ex-gratia relief and for temporary restoration of public utilities on war-footing. - IANS