Jammu & Kashmir floods: Thousands still stranded in Srinagar, rescue operations intensify

Relief and rescue operations in the flood-hit state of Jammu and Kashmir continued on Monday with Air Force using choppers and planes to rescue the people even as the death toll reached 160.

Srinagar: Relief and rescue operations in the flood-hit state of Jammu and Kashmir were stepped up on Monday with Indian Air Force (IAF) using choppers and planes to rescue those stranded in the most hit areas even as the death toll crossed 160.

Twelve AN-32, four IL-76, five C-130J and two C-17 transport aircraft of the Air Force have been deployed by the IAF to rescue thousands of people who are still stranded in the worst floods that the state has witnessed in the last 60 years, the PTI reported.

The Indian Army today tweeted that it has rescued over 20,000 people from the flooded areas. It further tweeted that 16 relief camps have been set up and over 65 medical teams are currently in action.

Around 150 additional boats were provided by the Home Ministry to facilitate the rescue work in the flood affected areas.

While six teams of NDRF have been deployed, around 184 Army columns are facilitating the rescue operations in J&K.

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A team has also been sent by the Home Ministry to Srinagar to monitor the situation and coordinate with the rescue operation, reports said.

The Jammu-Pathankot national highway was opened today after the water level receded.

The rising water from Jhelum River has flooded residential areas of Srinagar. People have been evacuated from these areas and shifted to hospitals and safe buildings.

The rising water levels have reportedly flooded areas including Lal Chowk, Army cantonment, Civil Secretariat and roads including airport road, Exhibition Crossing, Hari Singh High Street, Lal Chowk and Regal Chowk are submerged under several feet of water.

The state administration has ordered closure of schools till September 12.

However, several areas of Srinagar have been without electricity and phones making it difficult for people to contact for help.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the state on Sunday to personally monitor the situation and announced a special relief package of Rs 1,000 crores.

Terming it as a “national disaster”, Modi also took an aerial survey of the affected areas and even offered help those affected in the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an assistance of Rs 5 crore by the state and appealed to the people to come forward and help those in need.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had earlier appealed to the people not to panic and assured them that the help is on the way.

The Government has set up control rooms in Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar to facilitate relief and rescue operations and aid those who are stranded in the floods in Jammu and Kashmir.