Jammu, Jul 19 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday reviewed the situation in rain-ravaged Poonch and Rajouri districts after flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall claimed lives and caused widespread damage, directing the administration to remain on high alert and ensure speedy rescue, relief and restoration measures.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat here, Abdullah expressed grief over the loss of lives and conveyed condolences to the bereaved families.
He said the government stands with the affected people and is committed to providing all possible assistance for relief, rehabilitation and restoration.
The chief minister stressed that protecting human lives remains the government’s top priority and instructed deputy commissioners and field agencies to closely monitor vulnerable areas prone to landslides, flash floods and inundation.
He directed that rescue teams, machinery and essential services remain on standby to respond to emergencies.
Officials informed the meeting that rescue teams have already been deployed in affected areas. Abdullah directed authorities to intensify efforts to trace missing persons and ensure timely support to their families.
Reviewing the availability of essential supplies, the chief minister asked the concerned departments to maintain uninterrupted stocks of food grains, medicines, drinking water and other necessities across Jammu and Kashmir. He also directed early restoration of roads, electricity, drinking water supply and communication services disrupted by heavy rainfall.
The meeting was informed that adequate funds have been earmarked for relief and rehabilitation, while sufficient stocks of medicines are available and surveillance has been strengthened to prevent outbreaks of water-borne diseases.
Abdullah emphasised close coordination among district administrations, the Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and other agencies involved in rescue and restoration work. He also directed all district control rooms to function round the clock and maintain regular communication.
The chief minister ordered all districts to submit situation reports every six hours till July 24 through the Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department for continuous monitoring by the government.
He also asked the School Education Department to review the weather situation on July 22 before taking a decision on reopening schools, which have already been closed till that date.
During the meeting, officials from the Jammu and Kashmir administration briefed the chief minister on the damage caused by heavy rains in Poonch, Rajouri and other districts, as well as the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
Abdullah said the government is closely monitoring the evolving weather situation and will continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard lives, minimise damage and ensure timely assistance to affected families.—(NVI)
