March 29, 2024 19:28 (IST)
Death toll reaches 110 in J&K floods: Omar
Srinagar, Sept 7 (IBNS): As the state of the Jammu and Kashmir is battling against massive floods, creating havoc here, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said that over 110 people have lost their lives so far while appealing to the people to remain calm.
"The death toll has reached 110, however, we are not sure of the exact number now owing to the bus accident in Rajouri. About 25 bodies have been recovered from the accident site," Abdullah said.
He said the situation has worsened in Kashmir but assured that rescue operations are pacing up and that the relief teams are trying to reach all areas.
"We are trying to reach maximum people and as quickly as possible," assured the CM.
"My appeal to the people is that they should not panic. They should try to stay in the higher floors of their houses," he said adding that the water level in Jammu is decreasing.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached the calamity-hit state on Sunday to personally assess the gravity of the situation.
He is expected to undertake an aerial survey, and go to Kashmir later in the day to assess the damage.
The Prime Minister was briefed on Saturday evening by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh after his return from a visit to Jammu and Kashmir to survey the flood-affected areas.
In view of the seriousness of the situation, Modi immediately called for a review meeting to assess the situation. The meeting was attended by the Cabinet Secretary, the Principal Secretary to Prime Minister and the Additional Principal Secretary to Prime Minister.
"After reviewing the situation, the Prime Minister decided to visit Jammu and Kashmir to personally assess the gravity of the situation and understand the problems being faced by the people," a government statement said.
Meanwhile, rescue operation by Army continued, employing more than 110 Army columns and engineer teams.
The forces rescued 13,000 people till Saturday evening.
Residents said they are living without power, internet connection or even fuel for both automobile and domestic use.
Rajnath Singh said over 2500 villages have been affected and over 450 villages submerged besides 107 people have lost their lives in flash flood so far.
Major flood rescue operations started on Sept 2, however, with increasing involvement, Mission Sahayata was launched by the Army to cover areas in entire the Valley.
Army troops were working against all odds, endangering their own lives.
Army Formations continue to proactively reach out to flood affected people to render all possible assistance. Army helicopters are on standby and poor weather is restricting their full employment.
The worst affected area was between Udhampur and Jammu. The total rainfall recorded last 3 days over Udhampur,Jammu and Srinagar has been 493.2 mm, 327.2 mm and 146.3 mm respectively.
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