Heavy rains and floods have caused devastation in Jammu and Kashmir. An alert has been issued due to rising water level of Chenab river in Ramban. At the same time, seven people have died in the flood caused by cloud burst in Surankote, Poonch and many people are still missing.
Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir) [भारत]July 20 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir Police has appealed to the public to stay away from the river banks in view of the rise in the water level of Chenab river after the gates of Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project dam were opened in Ramban on Sunday. In an advisory, Ramban police urged people not to go near the river and follow safety instructions issued by the authorities.
7 killed due to cloud burst in Poonch
At least seven people have died in floods triggered by a cloudburst in Surankote area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, even as rescue teams from the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continued searching for missing people on Sunday amid heavy rains lashing the Union Territory.
Confirming the death toll, Mohammad Yousuf, Block Medical Officer (BMO), Sub-District Hospital, Surankote, said, “In connection with the disaster and storm that hit the entire district including Surankote, Rajouri and the state, we have so far confirmed seven deaths in Surankote. We have completed the medical formalities of six bodies and handed them over to their families, while another body, which we found recently, is being brought right now. Many people are still missing.” It is being told that their exact number is not known yet. The rescue operation is currently going on near the river.
Chief Minister held a high level meeting
Amid the rain-related emergency, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu to review the situation arising out of incessant rains, floods and landslides in Poonch and Rajouri districts. Apart from this, he also assessed the preparedness of the administration across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting reviewed the prevailing weather conditions, impact of heavy rains and steps being taken by various departments to ensure public safety, restore essential services and provide relief to the affected families.
Firstly, the Chief Minister expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the floods and assured all possible assistance for relief, rehabilitation and restoration. Emphasizing on coordinated action, Omar Abdullah said, “Coordination cannot be overemphasized,” and directed all districts to operate control rooms round the clock, maintain constant vigil and ensure quick dissemination of information for timely response. (ANI)
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