A tragic incident unfolded in Srinagar early this morning as a boat, carrying many minors and locals from Gandabal to Batwara, capsized in the River Jhelum near the Batwara area. The mishap has left the entire community in shock and trauma.
According to reports from locals in the Batwara-Gandabal area, the boat, ferrying local minors and other children, overturned, sparking an urgent need for rescue operations. Despite the urgency, there were no signs of any rescue team even after an hour had passed since the incident.
Tragically, the situation worsened as four individuals lost their lives in the capsizing, while three others are currently undergoing treatment at Srinagar’s SMHS hospital. Medical Superintendent Dr. Muzaffar Zargar confirmed the fatalities and ongoing medical treatment.
Amidst the rescue efforts, several people remain missing following the boat overturning in the Jhelum river. The State Disaster Relief Force has initiated a search and rescue operation to locate the missing passengers. Heavy rainfall in the region over the past few days has led to a rise in the water levels of the river, further complicating rescue efforts.
The incident adds to the challenges faced in the region, compounded by heavy landslides triggered by recent rains, which prompted the closure of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. Authorities have urged caution and advised against travel in affected areas until conditions improve.
