Flash floods and landslides as heavy rains, snowfall lash IIOKJ.

ISLAMABAD -- Heavy rains lashed Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, triggering flash floods and landslides, with authorities forced to shut schools in several districts including Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban and evacuate people from low-lying areas, while the strategic Jammu-Srinagar national highway remained blocked for the second day leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded.

According to Kashmir media service, in Kashmir, the Jhelum crossed the danger mark at Sangam in Islamabad district and the water level was rising in other rivers also.

A high alert has been sounded in areas close to river Chenab and its tributaries, the officials said.

Snowfall in the higher reaches including the shrine of Amarnath has substantially brought down the day temperature, the officials said.

Police rescued 50 passengers travelling in ten vehicles who were trapped due to snowfall and heavy rains in the high-altitude area in Kishtwar district, officials said.

'Snowfall and heavy rains triggered flash-floods in Simthan top area following which 50 passengers including some women and children, were stranded. The police got the track cleared and after a lot of hard work rescued all the passengers,' an official said.

The water level at Sangam in the Anantnag district was measured at 21.60 ft, marginally above the 21-feet mark for flood declaration, they said.

Vaishov stream, which flows mainly through Kulgam district, was flowing dangerously above the flood alert mark. However, the water level has started receding since 10 am, the officials said.

A breach was reported in a temporary diversion along the banks of Vaishov stream at Chamgund in Kulgam, they said adding many areas of the district have been flooded.

Authorities have started moving people from...