Monday, February 21 2005 09:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Jammu/Srinagar: At least 37 people were killed and another 25 missing in house collapse triggered by a series avalanches and landslides in Jammu and Kashmir as the heaviest snowfall in 15 years brought to crippling stop normal life in Kashmir valley, which remained cut off from rest of the country for the third day yesterday (Feb 20, 2005).

Twelve people, including six Border Road Organization (BRO) personnel who were trapped on Srinagar-Jammu highway three days ago, were feared dead. Four persons were presumed dead in Doda district and two in Banihal.

A massive landslide set off by heavy rains and snow razed 12 houses killing 19 people at Adhigaon, Majadooli and Badhcheri villages of Poonch district in Jammu region, police said adding that 25 people were reported missing. Of the 25 missing, 22 were in Majadooli where four houses collapsed.

Twelve bodies have been pulled from under the debris and snow in the three villages.

Avalanches hit Wltonagini village of Anantnag district in Kashmir valley burying 100 temporary shelters and killing 15 members of Gujjar community.

As incessant snowfall lashed the area, efforts were on to pull out possible more bodies or trapped survivors, an Army spokesman said in Delhi.

One person was killed in house collapse near Doda town, they said adding 10 people were rescued in Pinrari village of Doda district where 25 houses were damaged in avalanche.

A Srinagar report said that three persons were killed and scores injured as 50 houses collapsed.

With power supply, telecom and road links severely hit and air and road links with Kashmir valley snapped, the State civil administration declared a red alert and sought the Army's help in providing food, fuel and shelter to the needy and clear the vital road communication within and to the valley.