Police have recovered all 16 bodies from the landslide site in Laden village of flood-ravaged Budgam district of Kashmir.
Landslide had hit Hajjam Mohalla of Laden Village around 3.30 am on Monday in which two houses sunk to the ground. There were three families in the houses comprising eight males, seven females and an infant who was less than a month old.
Police had recovered six bodies late on Monday evening and had continued search for the missing people through out the night.
"All bodies have been retrieved, no one is missing ," said a police spokesman.
According to local police officials rescue operations were difficult as the machines could not be moved to the spot. "The area had turned into a swamp, so rescue and search operations had to be undertaken manually," said a police officer.
Incessant rains since Saturday evening had triggered landslides and flash floods in various parts of the valley following which the state government declared floods on Monday.
However, in some respite for the state, there was no rainfall through Monday night due to which water levels of the Jhelum river had receded on Tuesday.
Chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said the government was focusing on connectivity and a detailed evacuation plan with boats was deployed in all parts of the Valley, he said.
Sayeed also spoke to Union home minister Rajnath Singh as the Centre sent eight National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising around 400 personnel, along with rescue boats and water pumps to take part in relief operations.
Massive dewatering operations have been launched by state irrigation and fire department authorities in Srinagar.
Evacuations are underway from the low lying areas as further downpours have been predicted in the region.
The government however has not revoked the advisory to people as more rain is expected from Tuesday evening.
"We have advised people from areas like Lasjan, Natipora, Mahjoor Nagar to move to safer places and areas around the rivers and streams. The advisory continues," said Altaf Bhukari, minister for public works.
According to him, boats, sandbags and a 24-hour vigil on bunds have been made available all across the valley.
Meanwhile, the central government on Monday granted Rs 200 crore as immediate relief as Prime Minister Narendra Modi rushed minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to Kashmir for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and coordinate with state authorities with regard to the requirements.
“Weather will improve and there will be less rainfall in the next 24 to 48 hours. Another weather system is expected on April 1 but that is also not going to be strong,’’ said Sonam Lotus, director of the meteorological department in Srinagar.
“The embankments made after last year’s floods are safe, except for a few areas where water seeped into residential areas. There is water logging and we are trying to pump it out,’’ said state public works minister Altaf Bhukari.
Three joint control rooms in south, north and central Kashmir were set up and relief camps provided with adequate ration, water, fuel, blankets and other necessary items.
Minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju assured the Centre’s complete support during the crisis. “We will ensure whatever is required from the Centre in terms of coordination, material support, financial support, manpower will reach on time,” he said.
The National Crisis Management Committee, headed by cabinet secretary Ajit Seth, also reviewed the situation.
(With inputs from agencies)
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