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CM Omar Abdullah Announces ₹6 Lakh Ex Gratia for Kin of Rain-Related Victims in Rajouri, Poonch

File Photo : CM Omar Abdullah

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, Jul 20 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday announced an ex gratia of ₹6 lakh for the next of kin of each person who lost their lives in the recent flash floods, landslides and other rain-related incidents in Rajouri and Poonch districts.

The relief package includes ₹4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and an additional ₹2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), officials said.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Abdullah said no financial assistance could compensate for the irreparable loss suffered by the bereaved families, but the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.

The announcement came a day after the Chief Minister chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the situation arising from the heavy rains and flash floods that caused multiple fatalities and extensive damage to public and private property in the twin border districts.

During the meeting, Abdullah directed the administration to ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation of the affected families and instructed all concerned departments to work in coordination to restore essential services and speed up relief and restoration measures in the affected areas.—(NVI)

J&K LG Sinha Reviews Rain Havoc, Says NDRF, SDRF, Army on High Alert

File Photo : LG Manoj Sinha

Srinagar, Jul 20 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday reviewed the situation arising out of heavy rains, flash floods and landslides across the Union Territory and directed officials to immediately assess the damage to residential houses and public infrastructure to expedite relief and restoration works.

According to officials, Sinha reviewed the impact of the recent spell of inclement weather and took stock of the ongoing rescue and restoration measures.

Expressing grief over the loss of two lives in Doda district, the Lieutenant Governor said his thoughts were with the bereaved families.

He said emergency response agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Army, have been deployed and are on high alert in vulnerable areas.

Sinha said key roads in Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi and Udhampur districts have been reopened, while efforts are underway to restore water supply in several affected areas.

He also directed field officials to conduct an immediate assessment of damage to houses and public infrastructure to ensure that relief and restoration measures are carried out without delay, officials said.(NVI)

4 BSF personnel injured as bus hits electric pole in J&K’s Kulgam

Srinagar, Jul 20 (NVI): Four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel sustained minor injuries after the bus they were travelling in hit an electric pole in the Wanpoh area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, officials said.

The accident took place at Gaasipora in Wanpoh when the BSF bus lost control and collided with an electric pole, the officials said.

They said four BSF personnel suffered minor injuries and were provided medical treatment.

Police reached the spot soon after the accident and have initiated necessary proceedings. The exact cause of the accident is being ascertained, officials added.(NVI)

Two killed, several injured after shooting stones hit vehicles on Doda J&K

Shivam Bakshi

Jammu, July 20 (NVI): At least two persons were killed and several others injured on Monday after shooting stones struck a bus and a few other vehicles at Raggi Nallah along the National Highway in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district, officials said.

The incident occurred amid continuous shooting stones and mudslides triggered by inclement weather, officials said.

The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, they said, adding that the identities of the deceased and the injured were being ascertained.

Following the incident, the National Highway was closed for traffic due to mudslides and shooting stones.

Road clearance and restoration work has been taken up, but it is likely to take some time before traffic is restored, the officials said.(NVI)

Crime Branch Busts Extortion Racket in Kashmir, Raids Multiple Locations

Srinagar, Jul 20 (NVI): The Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday conducted raids at multiple locations in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts after unearthing an alleged extortion racket in which fraudsters posed as officials of the Crime Branch and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) to dupe a senior citizen of more than Rs 30 lakh, officials said.

According to the Crime Branch, the searches were carried out by its Special Crime Wing in connection with an FIR registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The investigation revealed that the accused allegedly impersonated Crime Branch and ACB officials, threatened senior citizens with false complaints and arrest, and extorted money from them.

Officials said the gang allegedly extorted over Rs 30 lakh from a senior citizen in Srinagar.

Searches were conducted at several locations in Srinagar and Ganderbal linked to the accused as part of the ongoing investigation, they said.

The Crime Branch appealed to the public to remain alert against fraudsters involved in cheating, forgery, cyber-enabled crimes, impersonation and other organised offences.

People have been advised not to fall prey to forged documents, fake schemes or false promises and to immediately report any such incidents to the nearest police station or the Crime Branch for legal action, officials added.(NVI)

Widespread Rain Brings Relief, Triggers Alert Across J&K

Street in Delhi after heavy rains.

Srinagar, July 20 (NVI): Widespread rainfall was recorded across Jammu and Kashmir during the 24 hours ending at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, with several places receiving moderate to heavy showers, according to rainfall data.

In the Kashmir Valley, Asham in Bandipora district recorded the highest rainfall at 73.5 mm, followed by Sopore with 55.4 mm, Wular 54.5 mm, Ganderbal 46 mm and Srinagar 45.6 mm. Pampore received 21.5 mm, Budgam 15 mm, Bandipora 10.5 mm and Gulmarg 8.2 mm.

Most other stations in the Valley recorded light rainfall, while Verinag reported no rainfall during the period.

In the Jammu region, Poonch recorded 66 mm of rainfall, followed by Rajouri with 54.8 mm, Katra 53.5 mm, Samba 45 mm, Jammu 42.7 mm and Ramban 42 mm. Jammu airport recorded 39.8 mm, while Udhampur received 25.4 mm and Kathua 18.2 mm.

The rainfall comes amid an active monsoon spell affecting Jammu and Kashmir, with the Meteorological Department forecasting intermittent rain and thunderstorms at several places over the next few days. Authorities have advised people to remain cautious in view of the possibility of heavy showers in vulnerable areas.(NVI)

J&K CM Omar Abdullah reviews flood situation in Poonch and Rajouri

J&K CM Omar Abdullah reviews flood situation in Rajouri and Poonch

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)

Flash floods kill 10 in J-K’s Poonch; rescue operation underway

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Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, July 19 (NVI): Ten people were killed after flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall hit the Lower Murrah area of Bufliaz in Surankote tehsil of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Sunday, officials said.

Officials said the flash floods swept through the area following incessant rains, causing extensive damage and leaving several people trapped.

BMO said the deaths and said rescue teams were continuing search operations in the affected area to trace any missing persons.

Police, civil administration personnel and local volunteers have launched rescue and relief operations, while authorities are assessing the extent of damage caused by the floods.

The deceased included women, children and elderly persons, officials said.

The heavy rains also uprooted electricity poles and disrupted mobile network services in several parts of Poonch district, affecting communication and restoration efforts.

Meanwhile, officials said the Mughal Road and the Rajouri-Poonch highway remain open for traffic, though people have been advised to exercise caution in view of the prevailing weather conditions.(NVI)

Three Killed as Flash Floods Hit J-K’s Surankote Poonch Rescue Operations Underway

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Shivam Bakshi

Poonch, July 19 (NVI): At least three people were killed after flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall struck the Surankote area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district on Sunday, officials said.

The bodies of the three victims were brought to the Sub-District Hospital in Surankote for postmortem, Block Medical Officer Dr Mohammad Yousaf Choudhary said.

Officials said rescue teams, assisted by the police, civil administration and local residents, were carrying out search and rescue operations in the affected areas. They said some people were feared missing, though there was no official confirmation of additional casualties.

The flash floods, caused by incessant heavy rain, disrupted normal life and affected several areas of Surankote.

Authorities are monitoring the situation and further details are awaited.(NVI)

J&K LG  Sinha Reviews Flood Situation in Rajouri, Poonch; Directs Immediate Relief Measures

File Photo : LG Manoj Sinha

Shivam Bakshi

Poonch/ Rajouri, Jul 19 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday reviewed the flood and rain-related situation in the Rajouri and Poonch districts following incessant rainfall and flash floods, and directed the administration to ensure immediate rescue, relief and assistance to the affected families.

Officials said the lieutenant governor assessed the prevailing situation with senior officials and reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.

Sinha said rescue operations are being carried out on a war footing by the civil administration, Jammu and Kashmir Police, the Indian Army, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local volunteers, particularly in Rajouri district, which has witnessed extensive damage due to heavy rainfall.

He directed the district administrations to shift affected families to safer locations, expedite restoration of essential services and provide immediate financial assistance to those affected by the rain-related incidents.

The lieutenant governor appealed to people to remain vigilant, avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas and follow advisories issued by the administration.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives in rain-related incidents in Rajouri and the Haveli and Surankote areas of Poonch district, Sinha conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families.

He said the administration has been directed to remain on high alert and ensure emergency response teams are fully equipped to deal with any further contingency.(NVI)

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