20 killed in Jammu and Kashmir floods; 45 more feared dead as bus washed away

The toll in the incessant rains and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday rose to 20, even as 45 others were feared dead after a bus carrying them was washed away in Rajouri district.

"So far 20 deaths have been reported in the state due to heavy rains and floods," Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather told reporters at a joint press conference with Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand in Srinagar.

Giving the breakup of the figures, Rather said two deaths each have been reported from Anantnag, Baramulla and Budgam districts in Kashmir Valley and seven from Poonch, six from Reasi and one from Doda in Jammu region. He said a bus carrying nearly 50 people, mostly members of a marriage party, was washed away in flash floods of Gambhir river in Rajouri district in Jammu region.

He said while three persons had been rescued till now, around 45 people are feared dead. Rescue efforts were on till late evening, he said. Rather said 150 houses have been damaged in the floods.

"More than 50 houses are submerged in Anantnag district. 15 villages in Kulgam district are also inundated," he said.

The Minister said around 1,500 people were trapped in Asthal village in Kulgam and steps were being taken for their safety.