J-K: 8 killed in floods, landslides in upper reaches of Kathua

Kathua (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 19 : At least eight people were killed due to floods and landslides triggered by heavy rains in the upper reaches of Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, the police said. 
According to officials, the incident took place at upper reaches of Bani Tehsil of Kathua district. 
As per police reports five people of a family were buried alive when a heavy landsliding falls on a house at village Surjan of Bani tehsil which is 250 kM from kathua headquarters. 
"Five family members inside the house were died," officials said while adding that three other person were killed in Sera. 
Soon after the incident, locals aided the police in launching a rescue operation. 
More details are awaited. 
Earlier in the day, Kathua police issued an advisory in view of the rainfall in the district. Heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir has caused landslides in several places. 
The National Highway-44 in Ramban district was blocked due to shooting stones and mud slush, said an official on Wednesday.
Deputy Commissioner Ramban took to his Twitter handle and informed that NH-44 was blocked in several areas due to mud slush and shooting stones and that people should avoid travelling until road clearance works were executed.
Meanwhile, the clearance works are in progress on National Highway-44 in Ramban District amidst rains, said Deputy Commissioner, Ramban.