Bandipora, Apr 17: A tragedy befell different sheep owners when the water level in Wullar Lake suddenly rose, killing at least 70 sheep. Over 80 sheep are still missing and are feared dead.

The incident occurred in Lankerishipora area on the banks of Wullar Lake in North Kashmir’s Badnipora district.

Divulging information about the tragedy, the shepherd Ghulam Qadir who hails from Banihal area of Ramban district said that they visit the area every year owing to its greenery. “This patch of land is in the middle of Wullar Lake in a sense is a type of island.”

“During the wee hours of Monday, the water level suddenly rose. At least 150 sheep drowned. We have recovered the bodies of 70 sheep and 80 are still missing and feared dead,” Qadir said adding that with the help of locals, some kids who were taking care of these sheep were safely evacuated.

He said every year, the water level rises in the lake, but due to incessant rains, this time the water level rose beyond our expectations. “We had intended to spend two to three days here and were supposed to move to another place,” he said.

The sheep belonged to different people who all were mourning requesting to the government to extend all possible help to them.

One of the owners, Abdu Majeed said that civil officials and a team of doctors visited to spot to assess the quantum of loss. knt