SRINAGAR: In response to the continuous heavy rainfall and flash floods impacting Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday mandated the immediate restoration of essential services, particularly drinking water and electricity, within a 24-hour timeframe in affected areas. He also directed that relief, rehabilitation, and restoration measures be promptly initiated.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Chief Minister chaired a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat, where he emphasized the critical need for sustained preparedness to address potential flood situations stemming from erratic weather patterns. He issued instructions for all departments to prioritize vulnerable locations, minimize loss of life and property, and intensify search and rescue operations for missing persons.
The meeting was attended by Health, Education, and Social Welfare Minister Sakeena Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Administrative Secretaries, and the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, alongside other senior officials. Ministers Javed Ahmed Rana and Satish Sharma, the Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, and all Deputy Commissioners participated virtually via video conferencing.
Chief Minister Abdullah directed the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu to conduct an immediate assessment of the flood situation and pinpoint the most severely affected districts. He also ordered the allocation of adequate funds, following the pattern established in 2025-26, to the Deputy Commissioners to facilitate swift relief, rehabilitation, and the restoration of damaged infrastructure.
While reviewing the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the hard-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri, the Chief Minister instructed district administrations to ensure that relief camps are sufficiently provisioned with food, drinking water, and essential medical supplies. Officials reported that joint rescue and relief operations, involving the Civil Administration, Police, SDRF, NDRF, Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO), and other departments, were immediately launched following the flash floods and remain active.
The Chief Minister specifically directed the Power Development Department to expedite the restoration of electricity in Poonch and Rajouri, acknowledging that the revival of drinking water supply schemes is largely dependent on the availability of power. He instructed officials to complete this work within the stipulated timeline and resolve any outstanding issues without delay.
A detailed review of district-wise relief distribution and damage assessment was also conducted. Deputy Commissioners were directed to ensure timely assistance to affected families in accordance with prescribed norms. Officials were further instructed to accelerate the assessment and compensation processes for damages to houses, livestock, public infrastructure, and agricultural land.
During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir presented comprehensive updates on flood preparedness and the relief measures currently in place. Officials informed the Chief Minister that the Kashmir Division had activated a robust flood preparedness mechanism, placing all Deputy Commissioners, district administrations, and line departments on high alert. Rescue teams, evacuation centers, emergency equipment, and essential services have been strategically positioned to manage any eventuality.
The meeting was apprised of the identification of 654 vulnerable villages across the Valley, with an estimated population of 7.22 lakh at risk. As a precautionary measure, 1,505 residents from these vulnerable areas have already been relocated to designated rescue centers, and evacuation plans remain active for other at-risk locations.
Authorities confirmed that 744 rescue centers, 108 SDRF boats, 25 Army boats, 98 satellite phones, 102 identified helipads, and substantial emergency response funds have been prepared to bolster rescue operations. District Emergency Operations Centers and the State Emergency Operation Center are operating 24/7 to monitor the evolving situation and coordinate response efforts effectively.
Officials also reported that water levels in the River Jhelum are presently below the warning level at all monitoring stations. The Irrigation and Flood Control departments are continuing their surveillance of rivers and flood channels, while healthcare, drinking water supply, and telecommunication services remain operational with contingency arrangements in place.
For the Jammu Division, officials indicated that Emergency Operation Centers are functioning around the clock in all districts. Contingency plans have been activated, weather advisories are being issued regularly, and restoration machinery has been pre-positioned at vulnerable locations. A total of 363 vulnerable locations have been identified, 142 mock drills have been conducted, and 138 helipads have been designated for emergency operations. Authorities also stated that adequate SDRF funds, trained volunteers, and emergency response equipment are readily available to address any emergent situation.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
