Water recedes, but Kashmir still reels under flood

But people in vast parts of Kashmir are living without mobile phone or landline connections or internet despite a respite from the rain. The telecommunications system has broken down in the state.

While the authorities have rescued at least  23,530  in the rain-ravaged north India state, many are still awaiting rescue and relief, said reports.

There are many people still on rooftops awaiting rescue. Several families are in relief camps but many of them have lost touch with their kins and are awaiting reunion.

With the water receding, the Army is stepping up its operation to air lift people hit by the worst flood of the state in 60 years.

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) chaired by Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth on Monday reviewed the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Rescue efforts are now continuing near Pantha Chowk, Srinagar. Additionally, Naval Diving Teams are also positioned on standby at New Delhi, Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam for the rescue efforts," the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

"So far 23,530 stranded people have been evacuated by the Army in different regions of J&K. Army has deployed 215 columns of its personnel for rescue and relief operations. They have distributed 5,000 blankets and 140 tents. The Army also distributed 23,000 litres of water and 600 kilograms of biscuit in the flood-affected areas. Additional water bottles are being airlifted from Chandigarh and Delhi. In an endeavor to provide speedy medical aid to the affected populace, 80 medical teams of the Armed Forces Medical Services have also swung into action," it said on Monday.

Deployed for the first time in the ongoing devastating flood situation in J&K, the Naval Marine Commandos rescued around 200 personnel at Haigaon on Srinagar – Sopore highway.

Rescue efforts are now continuing near Pantha Chowk, Srinagar. Additionally, Naval Diving Teams are also positioned on standby at New Delhi, Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam for the rescue efforts. 

Eighty-five metric tonnes of medicines have been airlifted for the flood victims.

As many as 16 relief camps have been set up in different parts of the state for people hit by flood.

The Ministry said 1245 people have been airlifted by the Indian Air Force helicopters and transport aircraft till Monday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a special assistance of Rs. 1,000 crore for flood-affected Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Rs. 2 lakh compensation would be given to the kin of each dead and Rs. 50,000 each for those seriously injured owing to the crisis from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.