The two houses that collapsed belonged to Mushtaq Ahmed and Abdul Qayum in Surjan Morha Aruad Block. Five persons, including children, were buried under the rubble. The bodies of three persons, including Mohammad Arif son of Abdul Qayum, have been recovered so far.
SSP Kathua Shivdeep Singh Jamwal confirmed that a massive rescue operation is underway. He said two other persons are also feared dead.
Meanwhile, a woman identified as Naseema Begum wife of Mohammad Rafiq of Mandhota Tehsil Bani died after she was hit by a landslide. Her body has been recovered.
The body of 7th class student Ajay Singh son of Late Mohiner singh of Sitti Tehsil has also been recovered from the debris of another landslide in Bani near his residence.
One person Sham Lal son of Tara Chand of Bhullari Tehsil of Bani is still buried under the rubble due to a landslide. Search operations are underway.
SDM Bani Satish Kumar said there are reports of flash floods and landslides from other areas and teams of rescuers and officials have been deputed.
