Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday for a review meeting to asses the situation in the state. He is expected to take an aerial survey of the region.
The death toll in Jammu and Kashmir’s worst flood in 60 years crossed the 150 mark on Saturday, the fourth day of widespread havoc wreaked by days of incessant rains.
Officials said the toll is likely to go up further as scores are missing and nearly 12,000 people are stranded across the state even as massive rescue and relief operations by the police, the Army, IAF, National Disaster Response Force, various official agencies and local volunteers are underway on a war footing.
BSF Jawans and villagers rescued in a joint rescue operation by Army, BSF and Air Force. (Photo: ANI Twitter)
The Army said a total of 11,000 civilians have been rescued by it across the state. Of these, 2,000 people were provided food and temporary shelters.
This is an unprecedented situation & we are doing the best we can under the circumstances. Please don't panic, we will reach you, I promise.
Seven of the nine Army personnel trapped in strong water currents of Jhelum River in flood-affected Pulwama district were rescued, an Army official said. A boat carrying Army personnel on relief and rescue operation in Pamopore area of Pulwama district, capsized and they were trapped in strong water currents in Jhelum River, the official said.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that airlifting of marooned people and others stranded at different places including twin capitals of Srinagar and Jammu will start on Sunday when the weather is likely to improve.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh held a meeting with Mr Abdullah, in Srinagar to take stock of the situation. After briefing Mr Singh, Mr Abdullah drove him through Srinagar city.
“I want to assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the Centre is with the state government, and we will provide all help possible,” Mr. Singh said. He later undertook an aerial survey of flood affected areas of Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi and some other areas of Jammu to assess the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the flood-hit areas of the state on Sunday to personally assess the damage.
Officials said that 390 villages have been submerged in the Valley while 1,225 are partially affected. In Jammu division, 1,000 villages have been affected.