SRINAGAR: As many as 70 people are reported killed by floods and incessant rains in Indian-held Kashmir, according to officials.

Officials say that 45 people have been killed in several road accidents caused by rains in Nowshehra area of Rajouri district of Jammu Province while 20 more lost their lives because of massive floods across Jammu and Kashmir.

As river Jhelum started flowing four feet above danger mark, the coalition government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sounded flood alert in the restive state. Authorities also issued a detailed weather advisory, advising people living in flood-prone areas and on embankments of water bodies to move to safer places. The forecast for next few days is not encouraging either, which could account for more lives and damage property and livestock.

All the educational institutions have been closed until September 7. Moreover, there will be no traffic movement on the 294-Kms long Srinagar-Jammu National Highway on Friday and the Haj flights scheduled for next three days have also been cancelled.

After three days of incessant rains the worst affected areas in the Kashmir valley are South Kashmir district of Anantnag, Central district of Budgam, North Kashmir Baramulla and many areas of summer capital Srinagar.

Naeem Akhtar, chief spokesperson of opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), apprehended the present floods could turn out to be the worst Kashmir has ever seen.

“The situation is indeed very grim. The impact of haphazard and unplanned development will be seen more prominently this time. Sadly, we are witnessing tremendous loss of lives. Many parts of Srinagar city are partially submerged,” Akhtar told Dawn.