Huge devastation due to flood in Rajouri and Poonch of Jammu and Kashmir. CM Omar Abdullah reviewed the relief works. Army and SDRF teams engaged in rescue operations, saved many people. One girl dead, one person missing in floods. Alert of heavy rain for next 72 hours.
CM Omar Abdullah held a high-level meeting
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu on Sunday evening. In this, assessment of the devastation caused by the flood situation in Rajouri and Poonch districts and coordination of relief operations was discussed.
Heavy torrential rains and subsequent flash floods have wreaked havoc across Jammu division, especially Rajouri and Poonch districts. In many districts of Kashmir, a new advisory has been issued for people living near rivers, drains and hilly areas prone to landslides.
Central government is keeping an eye on the situation
Earlier today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a high-level discussion with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the flood situation arising out of incessant rains.
Rescue operation by Army and SDRF, one dead
The Indian Army and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) rescued several people stranded on islands formed by the surging river waters in Nowshera, Chakli and Muradpur areas of Rajouri. Two people were specially rescued from the strong waves in Muradpur area.
Rajouri MLA Iftikhar Ahmed said, “The loss is huge; we have lost a young girl, and one person is still missing.” He said that flood water entered the houses at 3 am in the morning, after which the district administration and police started rescue operations on a ‘war footing’.
Huge loss in bus stand and shops
Flash floods caused by heavy rains in Rajouri district resulted in the Dharhal river overflowing and inundating the New Bus Stand Bela area, which houses the biggest bus terminal in the district. Many vehicles parked at the bus stand were damaged due to flood water entering the parking area.
Nisar Bhatt, president of Muslim Vyapar Mandal, said, “There has been huge damage to Bela Colony, shops and parking stands. I estimate the loss to be around ₹500 to ₹600 crore, including public and government property.”
Administration on alert, heavy rain expected for next 3 days
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said rescue teams of civil administration, police, army, state disaster response force and local volunteers are actively working on the ground. “The affected families have already been evacuated to safer places. All departments are on high alert and are giving priority to immediate relief and repair operations,” he said.
According to the latest reports from IMD and MeT, bad weather has been predicted for the next three days as well. Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma confirmed that control rooms in all 13 tehsils have been activated since yesterday.
“IMD has predicted adverse weather for the next three days. Our priority is to restore communication, power and water supply. The Border Roads Organization (BRO) has been put on high alert to clear landslides on Highway 44,” Sharma said.
He urged residents to stay away from low-lying areas and river banks. He further said that partner agencies including district police, SDRF and Indian Army are working jointly.
“As you can see, the weather has cleared in the last hour. Our first priority is to complete rescue operations, focus on relief centers and restore our emergency services, especially medical aid, power and road connectivity.”
BJP leader Ravinder Raina also visited the affected areas to express solidarity and said that “the entire country stands with Rajouri and Poonch in this hour of crisis” as rescue teams are still working to reach the isolated people.
Situation serious in Akhnoor also, Chenab river in spate
The situation in Akhnoor remains critical as the water level of Chenab river has risen to 29.4 feet, and water inflow is 1,16,400 cusecs. The water has reached local cremation grounds and river banks, following which the administration has issued an emergency advisory. Due to the continuous rise in the water level of the river, the local people have been strictly prohibited from going near the river.
With IMD predicting heavy rain for the next 72 hours, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is on high alert, and joint squads and field teams of the Army and police have been deployed to prevent any loss of life and property. (ANI)
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