Avalanche warning in Jammu and Kashmir districts after fresh rainfall

An avalanche warning was issued for six districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday after fresh rainfall in the past 24 hours.

An avalanche warning was issued for six districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday after fresh rainfall in the past 24 hours.

Most-of-the-government-and-private-schools-in-Kashmir-reopened-Friday-after-they-were-closed-on-Monday-due-to-heavy-rains-Authorities-had-announced-closure-of-all-schools-on-Monday-after-the-Valley-was-lashed-by-heavy-rains-which-led-to-rise-in-the-water-level-in-river-Jhelum-and-other-water-bodies-AP-file-Photo

The divisional administration in Kashmir issued the warning for Kulgam, Pulwama, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora and Ganderbal districts. Residents were told not to venture out of their homes.

Landslides in Budgam earlier buried several homes, killing 15 people. Two people were killed by flash floods.

People are worried that inadequate flood-control infrastructure in the region could see them facing more death and devastation.

On Monday, the state government declared the region flooded after two days of incessant rains caused the waters of the Jhelum river to surge past the danger mark.

A break in the weather has since allowed the Jhelum to recede to safe levels but meteorologists have predicted a return of heavy rain.

"Given the weather forecast for the next few days, the flood threat is staring us in the face," said Majid Rashid, a resident of the capital Srinagar.

In a region still reeling from the massive flooding in September that killed more than 300 people, residents blamed the government for not doing enough to safeguard its citizens.

"We haven't witnessed any serious effort from the government to prevent floods, despite what happened last year," said Mehraj Nakash a shopkeeper in Srinagar's business hub Lal Chowk.

(With inputs from agencies)