“Focus on Reopening Key Roads and Restoring Power & Water Supplies”
LG Sinha Directs Rapid Action, Over 350 Damaged Roads Restored
“₹6 Lakh Ex-Gratia Sanctioned for Deceased’s Next of Kin” : CM
Omar Announces Immediate Financial Relief Amid Heavy Loss of Life
Srinagar: A relentless wave of torrential rainfall and flash floods has plunged Jammu & Kashmir into crisis, leaving at least 23 people dead, seven missing, and widespread infrastructure in ruins following three consecutive days of extreme weather across the region.
In Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, the swollen Sukhnag stream overflowed its banks in Beerwah, washing away dozens of shops, destroying parts of a municipal complex, and severing key road connectivity to Khansahib. Essential drinking water pipelines were damaged, and a local resident, Shabir Ahmad Poswal, was swept away near Drung Khag, triggering extensive search operations. Meanwhile, heavy downpours lashed the Jammu division, where Katra recorded a staggering 107.1 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, followed by Poonch with 61.5 mm and Reasi with 54.5 mm. As a precautionary measure against mounting landslide and flood risks, major annual pilgrimages—including the Amarnath, Mata Vaishno Devi, Shiv Khori, and Machail Mata yatras—remain entirely suspended.
Reviewing the emergency situation alongside senior officials, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha assured the public that multi-agency teams, including the NDRF, SDRF, Indian Army, BRO, and NHAI, are working around the clock. LG Sinha emphasized that the administration’s primary focus is reopening key roads and restoring power and water supplies, noting that out of 435 damaged roads, 356 have already been restored. He urged citizens to strictly avoid non-essential travel in high-risk zones.
Expressing profound grief over the tragic loss of lives, including seven deaths caused by a massive landslide at Domail Dhok in Poonch, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced an immediate ex-gratia relief of ₹6 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased, combining ₹4 lakh from the SDRF and ₹2 lakh from the CM Relief Fund. To ensure effective relief delivery, CM Abdullah deputed Cabinet Ministers Javed Ahmed Rana and Satish Sharma to the worst-hit districts. During an extensive visit to flood-damaged areas in Rajouri, Minister Sharma inspected the affected Baila Bus Stand and met with displaced families at temporary shelters, directing local authorities to expedite compensation and guarantee the uninterrupted supply of ration, drinking water, and medical care.
With the Meteorological Centre forecasting continued intermittent rainfall and intense spells through July 23, authorities maintain a state of high alert across all vulnerable districts, advising residents to stay well clear of swollen water bodies and landslide-prone routes.
