Jhelum Rises in Kashmir as Jammu Floods Ease, NDRF, Army Lead Rescue Efforts; Schools Closed, Dry Spell Ahea
Srinagar, Jammu: Heavy rainfall in last three days have caused widespread damage and loss of life across Jammu and Kashmir. Landslides near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra claimed nearly 35 lives, while two youths in Anantnag were tragically electrocuted by a snapped power line. The severe weather also resulted in the death of 75 sheep in Anantnag, devastating a shepherd family and severely impacting their livelihood.
Authorities are actively engaged in rescue and relief operations. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has airlifted National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and equipment to Jammu. The Indian Army has also deployed 13 flood relief and rescue columns for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in the Jammu and Pathankot regions. These joint efforts have successfully rescued at least 90 people from flooded areas, with the Army alone evacuating 635 citizens, including BSF and CRPF personnel. Relief materials like drinking water and food packets are being airdropped to cut-off locations. While the flood threat in Jammu has slightly decreased, the situation in Kashmir remains critical, with the water level in the Jhelum river and other streams crossing the danger mark. This has caused panic and raised fears of a repeat of the 2014 floods. Water has entered residential houses in several areas, and some roads and bridges have been damaged. The administration has ordered the closure of all educational institutions across the region as a precautionary measure. However, there’s a ray of hope as the Meteorological Department forecasts mainly dry weather for the next three days. The advisory also warns of the possibility of landslides and mudslides in vulnerable areas, urging people to stay away from water bodies and fragile structures. Efforts are underway to strengthen river embankments and prepare a detailed report of the losses to provide compensation to the affected families.
