Artificial lake triggers 'flash flood' threat in Manikaran

5 injured as van falls into gorge in Doda; landslides block Kishtwar highway; chopper service to Vaishno Devi shrine suspended

- HT Correspondents

AU/SRINAGAR: Two people aboard a Mahindra Scorpio were killed after they were hit by a massive boulder in Surankote area of Poonch district due to heavy rains that triggered landslides and shooting stones. Their vehicle was hit by a boulder in which both the people inside the SUV were killed, said a police officer.

Meanwhile, five people were injured after their Maruti van slid off the road amid rains and plunged into a gorge in Thathri area of Doda district on Wednesday, said officials.

"An Eeco van, on its way from Cheera to Thathri, plunged into a gorge causing injuries to five people," said a police officer.

The injured were shifted to a primary health centre in Thathri for treatment, he added.

Meanwhile, heavy landslides at Mughal Maidan-Drabshalla closed Kishtwar-Doda National Highway (NH 244). Rains triggered landslides at Mughal Maidan Drabshalla as a result of which several commuters have been left stranded. Authorities deployed men and machinery to clear the debris and restore traffic," said a traffic police officer.

He advised the travellers to check with traffic control units for updates on the status of highways before starting their journey.

Heavy rains in the plains and snowfall in upper reaches on Thursday have plummeted the mercury by a few degrees across the region.

The Met department has forecast moderate to heavy rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir till Friday.

"Peak activity of this weather system was witnessed on Wednesday and it will last till Friday morning," said a Met official.

Thereafter, the improvement in weather is expected and it is likely to remain dry till March, he added.

Another widespread spell of rain and snowfall is likely from March 3 onwards.

The bad weather has also affected helicopter service to Vaishno Devi from Katra on Wednesday.