IMCTs will conduct field visits, review relief measures, prepare detailed assessment reports
Jammu: A team from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has arrived in Jammu to assess the impact of heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides in the region. Their mission includes reviewing the current situation, evaluating damages, and coordinating with local authorities to facilitate immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts.
The visit follows unprecedented rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir, which has resulted in significant property and infrastructure damage, as well as over 150 fatalities since early August, including many among pilgrims. On September 1, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced the establishment of Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to evaluate the damage caused by severe weather events in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab. Each IMCT is led by a Joint Secretary-level officer from the MHA or the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and comprises members from various relevant departments. These teams will conduct field visits to affected areas, assess existing relief measures, and prepare detailed reports to inform further central assistance. This initiative is part of a mechanism introduced by Home Minister Amit Shah in 2019, which allows for the rapid deployment of multi-ministerial teams following major disasters, rather than waiting for state reports. The findings from the IMCTs in Jammu and other affected states will guide future central interventions, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively for relief, rehabilitation, and long-term mitigation strategies.
