Rescue operations have been severely hit as heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, a day after devastating flash floods and landslides claimed 12 lives and left several others missing.
The search for the missing has been intensified, though rescue teams are racing against time as swollen streams, slippery terrain, and poor visibility hinder their efforts.
Reportedly, seven people were confirmed to be missing by the authorities.
Police, Army, SDRF and Civil Defence personnel are continuing the rescue efforts.
The Meteorological Department has forecast moderate to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir till July 23, prompting district administrations to issue advisories urging people to remain vigilant and avoid venturing near rivers, streams, nallahs and other water bodies.
Moderate to heavy rainfall was reported from Jammu and several other districts, though there were no immediate reports of any loss of life or damage to property.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday directed all district administrations to submit situation reports every six hours until July 24 to strengthen monitoring and ensure a coordinated response.
IMD issues red alert
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall over Jammu Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on Monday.
The Met office has also forecast heavy rainfall over Delhi, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and parts of the North East during the next two days.
In addition, the IMD has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds over Karnataka, Rayalaseema, Telangana, Rajasthan, Vidarbha and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
