Death toll in Kashmir flood rises to 15

SRINAGAR, India, March 31: Police say at least 15 people have died in flood waters that submerged several areas in the Indian-controlled part of Kashmir just six months after the worst floods in half a century devastated the Himalayan region.

Police superintendent Fayaz Ahmed said Tuesday that rescue workers had pulled 15 bodies from the debris of two houses that partially sank in Budgam district. Searchers were looking for a 6-year-old trapped in the mud.


Although flood waters were receding, residents in the main city of Srinagar were bracing for more trouble as the meteorological office has predicted more rain over the next few days.

Many rivers in Kashmir were flowing above their danger levels in Srinagar, and residents were using sandbags to strengthen embankments of the Jhelum River.

Related story

India military death toll rises to 14 in Kashmir avalanche