Srinagar, Aug 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures for people affected by recent cloudbursts and flash floods in Kishtwar and Kathua districts.
Addressing officers, the Chief Minister underlined the urgency of speedy relief assistance, restoration of essential services, and formulation of long-term strategies to safeguard vulnerable areas from recurring natural calamities.
“Whether it was a cloudburst or a glacial lake outburst, the fact remains that this tragedy struck at the busiest time of the year in Chashoti village. Had it occurred at another time, the impact might have been less severe. These are lessons we must take forward. The Meteorological Department had issued warnings, including advisories against unnecessary travel, which underscores the importance of adopting clear SOPs and guidelines for highly vulnerable regions,” Omar said.
He noted that immediate priorities must remain focused on relief and rehabilitation, while medium- and long-term measures should include a holistic assessment of vulnerable areas by experts, protection of agricultural lands, discouraging habitation along flood-prone nallahs, and the creation of preventive mechanisms.
On rescue operations, the Chief Minister said: “Unfortunately, with 33 people still missing, it is safe to presume we may not find any of them alive. Our priority now is to retrieve the bodies to hand over to their families and equally important is to rehabilitate those whose homes and livelihoods have been devastated.” He assured full government support for reconstruction of damaged houses, restoration of agricultural land, and provision of essential services.
He also directed concerned departments to arrange temporary electricity supply through deployment of generators until road connectivity in affected areas is restored.
Earlier, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar briefed the Chief Minister on relief and rehabilitation measures, while the Deputy Commissioners of Kishtwar and Kathua provided updates.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar reported that 65 people have lost their lives so far, of which 62 bodies have been identified and handed over to families, while 33 persons remain missing. Sixty-six people have been rescued alive. Temporary shelters, food, medicines, and health facilities are being provided, with Army, Police, NDRF, SDRF, and civil administration jointly engaged in rescue and relief operations. Heavy machinery has been deployed to clear debris and restore access.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua informed that seven people lost their lives and 13 sustained injuries, with five areas severely affected. Relief has been distributed to the victims, NGOs roped in, and temporary shelters established. He said road connectivity, badly disrupted due to flash floods, may take about a week to restore, while work is underway to resume electricity, water supply, and mobile services. Both public and private infrastructure have suffered major damage, he added.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the CM Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary PDD, Commissioner Secretary Food & Civil Supplies, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, and Deputy Commissioners of Kathua and Kishtwar, among other senior officers.
The Chief Minister directed all departments to intensify relief efforts on war footing while simultaneously preparing a medium- and long-term disaster mitigation plan for Jammu and Kashmir’s vulnerable regions.
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