30 houses damaged in Gurez avalanche in J-K

At least 22 houses were completely damaged when the avalanche hit the area around 9.30 pm. (SNS Photo)


At least 30 residential houses and several other structures suffered damage when an avalanche hit the Khandiyal village of Gurez valley in Bandipura district of North Kashmir. No loss of life was reported in the Gurez avalanche that took place late Thursday night.

At least 22 houses were completely damaged when the avalanche hit the area around 9.30 pm. Reports said eight houses, several cattle sheds and some shops were partially damaged in the avalanche.

Further details are awaited as communication with the avalanche-hit village has been snapped following the natural calamity.

The authorities had issued avalanche warning in nine districts of the state.

According to reports, four houses in Poonch district of Jammu were also damaged due to heavy rain.

Meanwhile, the Jammu-Srinagar highway remained closed on Friday for the third consecutive day after fresh snowfall and landslides at some places.

According to reports, over 1,700 vehicles, including trucks loaded with essential commodities and vehicles carrying passengers to Kashmir, are stranded at various places on the 300-km highway.

Officials said the highway would remain closed till the debris and accumulated snow was completely cleared.