AMN
The death toll has gone up to 10 in house collapse due to landslide in Budgam district while six persons are believed to be still trapped in the debris in Jammu and Kashmir, . More than 320 families have been moved to safer places in Kashmir valley as water level in river Jhelum was still above the flood level.
Chief Minister, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed today announced release of Rs 25 crore in favour of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, and Rs 10 crore in favour of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, for rescue and relief operations following incessant rains and imminent threat of floods in the State, especially Kashmir Valley. The Chief Minister who had been supervising the efforts of the administration during the whole night returned to Jammu from the Valley today after a detailed on-the-spot-assessment of the situation particularly preparedness in terms of response to the situation. The Chief Minister stated that an unfortunate event had occurred in Ladan area of Budgam District where 16 people have been trapped under the house debris.
Eight fully equipped NDRF teams will be arriving in Kashmir to assist the State Government in its efforts to safeguard life and property of people in the wake of flood situation arisen due to incessant rains that lashed the valley during past few days. Union Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth who held an hour long video conference with J&K, Chief Secretary, Iqbal Khandey this afternoon, assured him that the State Government will be provided all help in dealing with the situation. The Indian Air Force has placed its recourses on standby and is also keeping a close watch on the flood situation in the state. Two Mi-17 Helicopters each at Srinagar, Jammu and Udhampur have been kept stand by. In addition to this, one Cheetah helicopter of IAF are on standby at Srinagar and Jammu to be part of rescue and relief operations. IAF has assured civil administration of all possible assistance in this time of crisis.
During rescue and relief operations, the troops of Army’s White Knight Corps in a daring act rescued 24 villagers of Chandak villagers near Kalai bridge in Poonch district.20 columns with rescue boats and other equipment have been kept on alert to deal with any situation that may arise due to rising water levels. Army is assisting the civil administration in flood control measures in Baramulla since yesterday and a relief operation is under progress in South Kashmir to rescue people trapped in collapsed houses. Army engineers are also undertaking strengthening of identified weak spots on the bunds of Jhelum river near Sonwar in Srinagar. MeT Department has predicted that light to moderate rain would occur at a few places over the state during next 24 hours.