16 killed as heavy rain triggers landslides, flash floods in North India

At least 16 people were killed in landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rain that lashed several parts of north India over the 24 hours that ended on July 9, 2023 morning.

At least 16 people were killed in landslides and flash floods triggered by heavy rain that lashed several parts of north India over the past 24 hours (ending July 9 morning).

In Jammu and Kashmir, the bodies of two soldiers who were washed away in flash floods in Poonch on July 8 were retrieved.

“Lance Naik Telu Ram was swept away while crossing a mountainous stream. Naib Subedar Kuldeep Singh, the patrol leader, while attempting to save him laid down his life,” an Army spokesman said.

Two persons were killed at Bhanghroo-Gandoh village in Jammu’s Doda district on July 9 when a landslide struck the bus in which they were travelling.

In Kashmir, a special team of the Navy joined an operation to trace a minor girl who drowned in the Pohru river in Kupwara district. The victim was among three minors who drowned on Saturday afternoon.

Pahalgam recorded 73.3 mm of rainfall, its highest ever in July. The previous record was 60.4 mm in 1983, according to officials. After being suspended for two days, the Amarnath Yatra resumed on July 9.

Torrential rain in Himachal Pradesh has claimed at least six lives in the past 24 hours (ending July 9 morning). Three persons were killed in a landslide at Madholi village in Shimla district on July 9, according to the State’s Emergency Operation Centre.