Five boatmen missing in Dal lake

SRINAGAR: Five boatmen were reported missing along with their boats in the famous Dal lake here on Friday after high velocity winds swept Srinagar.

Nearly 200 people, mostly tourists, were saved from drowning as a number of boats capsized in world famous Dal Lake following high velocity wind which swept Srinagar, uprooting trees and electric poles at various places, plunging the city into darkness.

"We have rescued nearly 200 people, mostly tourists, from drowning after a number of boats on sight-seeing trips capsized in Dal Lake in the wake of high velocity wind," Station House Officer of Nehru Park police station Abdul Aziz Khan said.

He said police parties alongwith CRPF acted swiftly soon after the wind set in and managed to save the lives of nearly 200 people.

Most of the boats capsized due to panic triggered by the wind, the police officer said adding the exact number of persons who fell into the lake could not be ascertained.

So far, there is no casuality, he said adding police, CEPF and shikarawalas are jointly carrying the rescue mission in the lake.

A weather office spokesman said gusty wind with a speed of 24 to 30 kilometres per hour is now sweeping the city.

Power development department snapped power supply as the wind uprooted trees and electric poles at a number of places in the city, blocking main roads.