Two students were killed, one was injured and another was rescued after they were swept away during a flash flood in Jammu and Kashmir's Dall Khadd of Bajoi Billawar town in Kathua district on Saturday.
The deceased were identified as Radha Devi (13) and Monica Devi (13). Kathua SSP, SDS Jamwal said, "Four girls were returning home after attending their school at around 4 pm when they were swept away in a flash flood in a rivulet near Dall."
"While one girl, who was a class 8 student, was rescued, another girl, a student of class 6 was injured. However, Radha Devi and Monica Devi, both students of class 6 unfortunately died in the incident," he added.
A rescue operation was immediately launched, culminating in the recovery of the bodies of two girls, and the rescue of two others, Billawar SHO Jatinder Singh told news agency PTI. He said one of the rescued girls, Archana Devi, was referred to the sub-district hospital in Billawar for treatment.
In a tweet, Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
{{/usCountry}}In a tweet, Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed condolences to the bereaved families.
{{/usCountry}}"Just now spoken to DC Kathua, Rakesh Minhas, after receiving the report about the unfortunate incident of 4 school girls getting caught in flash floods in Billawar area. Sadly two of them lost their life while the third one is being given the required treatment in the hospital. My condolence to the bereaved families. My office is coordinating with the administration for all possible assistance. Meanwhile, parents, in general, are advised not to let their children venture out during inclement weather," he said.
All the four girls were students of Government Kasturba Gandhi School near Nangalla, the officer added. He further informed that the area where the incident happened was a hilly and remote area.
Meanwhile, in the border district of Poonch, heavy rain led to waterlogging in the Mendhar market, causing hardships to the people, especially shopkeepers. The water entered many shops and also affected movement of traffic.