Srinagar, Sept 5: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday chaired a high-level emergency meeting to review the ongoing flood situation in Kashmir. He directed immediate reinforcement of embankments, round-the-clock monitoring, and swift relief and rescue operations across affected areas.
Embankments to Be Reinforced, Evacuations Continue
Omar Abdullah ordered officials to strengthen vulnerable embankments without delay and evacuate residents from flood-hit zones. He stressed the need for constant monitoring via control rooms and encouraged teams to conduct frequent field visits.
“The next 48 to 72 hours are critical,” he said. “We must not relax our vigilance until water levels fall safely.”
Focus on Relief, Safety, and Services
The CM asked officials to maintain law and order in coordination with the police and counter rumour-mongering. Relief camps were instructed to provide uninterrupted food, water, and shelter for evacuees.
He also pushed for swift restoration of electricity, drinking water, and road connectivity, especially in rural areas.
Damage Assessment Ordered Across Sectors
CM Omar directed all Deputy Commissioners to carry out realistic assessments of damage to:
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Homes and property
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Agricultural lands
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Infrastructure
These reports will be sent to the Government of India for compensation and assistance planning.
Immediate Funds Released for Relief
To support emergency operations, the CM announced Rs 5 crore from the UT Capex budget, in addition to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
He also instructed the Agriculture Department to assess damage to standing crops across both provinces.
Mughal Road Emerges as Supply Lifeline
With NH-44 blocked, the Mughal Road has become a crucial supply route. Essential items, including fruit consignments, are being cleared through this road in phased traffic movement.
Officials confirmed that the Srinagar-Jammu highway is likely to reopen by Saturday.
Health Alert Issued for Post-Flood Diseases
The Health Department was told to stay alert for any water-borne or post-flood diseases. CM Omar stressed preventive action and quick medical responses in rural zones.
Top Officials, Departments Brief CM on Situation
The meeting included key government and department heads, including:
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Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary
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Health Minister Sakina Itoo
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Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmad Rana
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Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo
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Senior engineers, police officers, and representatives from SDRF, NDRF, BEACON, IMD, and oil companies
Outstation officers joined via video conference.
Water Levels Falling, Situation Improves
Officials reported receding water levels at major sites like Sangam, Ram Munshi Bagh, and Asham. Villages like Shalina have seen floodwaters go down, with relief camps active in the area.
Water supply systems are mostly operational, and power, telecom, and health services remain largely unaffected.
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