MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The death toll has risen from eleven to thirteen in Azad Kashmir as two more people died in a landslide in Khursheedabad Tehsil of Haveli District, according State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).
The SDMA has released new details of the damage during the recent monsoon spell.
The deceased include four women, four men and five children, as per the SDMA. Eight people were also injured in the recent monsoon rain.
The number of houses destroyed in the Muzaffarabad landslides and flash floods has reached 156, out of which 50 houses were wiped out. Fifteen shops were also destroyed in the Muzaffarabad flash flood.
Moreover, on the instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advisory to restrict tourism in mountainous areas due to the intensity of the monsoon.
Public transport should be restricted in dangerous areas during monsoon spells. If necessary, tourism restrictions may be imposed under Section 144.
Law enforcement agencies in tourist areas should ensure implementation of restrictions.
The public is requested to avoid travelling to the affected areas.
Earlier, Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Chaudhry Anwar ul Haq has stated that over 800 tourists stranded in the tourist spot of Ratti Gali in Neelum Valley, AJK, have been safely moved to Neelum Dawarian after a successful rescue operation.
This was a major rescue operation in the history of Azad Kashmir, in which SDMA, the district administration, Pakistan Army, and police played a pivotal role.
The PM stated that the Azad Kashmir government has made complete arrangements for the accommodation and food of the tourists, while their vehicles, which are stuck in Ratti Gali, will be retrieved and handed over to their owners by today evening.
