In the wake of relentless heavy rains, floods, and landslides that continue to ravage Jammu and Kashmir, the central government has dispatched an inter-ministerial team to the region for an on-the-ground assessment of the widespread devastation. The team will specifically focus on evaluating the extent of damage in the Jammu division, which has been particularly hard-hit by the recent natural calamities.
The inter-ministerial team, led by Col Kirti Pratap Singh, Joint Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), includes officials from key Union ministries such as Finance, Road Transport and Highways, Power, Rural Development, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Jal Shakti. This diverse composition aims to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the damage across various sectors. The team is scheduled to visit the affected areas over the next four days to ascertain the actual scale of losses and damages. Following their assessment, they will submit a detailed report to the government, which will likely inform future relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Prior to commencing their field visits, the central team convened a meeting on Wednesday night, where they were briefed by Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar. Kumar provided a detailed presentation outlining the extent of damage to private property and public infrastructure, including roads, power infrastructure, and water supply. He also highlighted the ongoing efforts to save lives and restore essential services with the help of security forces, emergency responders, and various disaster response forces.
The impact of the incessant rains and landslides has been widespread. Landslides at the Rattle Power Project site in Kishtwar injured five people, who were promptly rescued and provided with medical assistance. Breaches in the Jhelum River's embankment led to flooding in certain parts of Kashmir, and the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, along with other crucial link roads, remained closed for traffic, disrupting transportation. The Jammu-Katra shuttle train service was also suspended for the second consecutive day.
In response to the crisis, the Jammu district administration has sanctioned ₹1.07 crore in relief for 231 families whose houses were damaged in the floods and landslides. The relief amount is being directly disbursed into the beneficiaries' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), ensuring timely and transparent aid. Damage assessments are still underway, and further relief measures are expected to be implemented in accordance with established protocols.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also visited Jammu to assess the damage caused by the natural disaster. He met with flood-affected people and inspected damaged infrastructure, including the Tawi bridge and homes. Shah emphasized that the government stands firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir and is committed to providing immediate relief, financial assistance, and technical support. He also stressed the need for a critical review of the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Early Warning System.
Meanwhile, Srinagar police have evacuated nearly 200 families from flood-affected areas and formed quick reaction teams to assist stranded citizens. The Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, announced the safe evacuation of residents affected by a breach in the Jhelum bund near village Zoonipora.
