HM visits flood-affected areas, chairs meetings on damage assessment and security; hails smooth Amarnath Yatra
Jammu, Sep 2: The Central Government has released Rs 209 crore to Jammu and Kashmir as its share for the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Monday, adding that relief operations have already commenced in areas affected by flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rains and cloudbursts.
Accompanied by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Shah as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, inspected flood-hit sites at Tawi bridge and Mangu Chak village to assess damage and meet affected residents. He later chaired three consecutive meetings at Raj Bhawan, reviewing flood-related damage, the security situation, and ongoing relief measures.
“Jammu and Kashmir faces frequent natural calamities. The Centre’s allocation of Rs 209 crore for SDRF has enabled immediate relief work,” Shah said, adding that MHA survey teams will conduct detailed damage assessments for further support.
He informed that a joint meeting of Central and UT officials, including Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, will be held shortly to prioritize damage assessment and coordinate relief efforts. Shah also urged the Health and Water Departments to ensure uninterrupted services and called upon medical units from the Army, CAPFs, and Air Force to assist in the relief operations.
The Home Minister said that early warnings issued by the Central Government and the UT Disaster Management Authority helped minimize casualties, with NDRF, Army, UTDRF, and other teams on alert. Relief and rescue operations are ongoing, and more than 5,000 people were evacuated to safer locations as a precaution.
Shah said SDRF assistance for damaged houses and infrastructure is being assessed and will be disbursed promptly. He noted that road repairs, electricity restoration, and water supply arrangements are underway, with over 80 percent power restored and health services functioning smoothly in affected areas.
Highlighting the need for disaster preparedness, Shah stressed reviewing Early Warning Apps and the GLOF Early Warning System, suggesting that data analytics and AI could strengthen forecasting and reduce casualties. He also directed the Food Corporation of India to ensure adequate rations in affected areas.
During his visit to Mangu Chak, Shah interacted with residents affected by floods. Locals described heavy damage to property and household goods, appreciating the Home Minister’s visit and assurance of timely relief.
Shah also reviewed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating the Centre’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism and instructing all security agencies to remain vigilant and coordinated. He lauded the UT administration and security forces for managing the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra smoothly, which saw over four lakh pilgrims this year, and commended their role in flood relief and rescue operations.
The Home Minister arrived in Jammu on Sunday night and returned to New Delhi on Monday evening after assessing flood damages and ongoing relief measures. (KNC)
