Jammu/ Srinagar (September 05, 2014): Heavy rains in Jammu and Kashmir continue to be a cause havoc as as at least 70 people have already died in two days. The floods have hit various district of the state and many areas in Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama and Poonch districts are flooded.

As per reports 50 people died on Thursday (Sept. 04) when a bus fell into a gorge in Rajouri district. The bus carrying a wedding party was washed away by flash floods.

Three days of heavy rain left rivers in the state flowing above the danger mark and triggered landslides in several places, forcing key highway stretches to close for traffic. More rainfall is likely for at least the next two days, the meteorological department warned.

On Thursday afternoon, the bus — filled to its capacity of 52, including the bride and groom – was on its way to Lam, around 120 km from Jammu city, when it was hit by surging waters of the Gambhir river. Only three people survived the accident.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the loss of lives and sanctioned Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased.

“Rescue operations were severely hampered by heavy rainfall,” said Rajouri senior superintendent of police Mubassir Latifi.

The state capital of Srinagar also braced for major floods with the Jhelum, Kashmir’s main river, flowing more than seven feet above the danger mark.

All schools and colleges are closed in the state till Sunday. Kashmir University has postponed its examination.

The Srinagar-Jammu and Srinagar-Leh highways remained closed due to landslides.