Jammu and Kashmir government identifies 654 vulnerable villages as wet weather to continue for next 24 hours

Jammu and Kashmir continued to face a grim situation due to the ongoing wet weather, which has left most of the rivers and streams in spate and triggered landslips for the fourth day on Wednesday (July 22). Officials said 654 vulnerable villages with an estimated 7.22 lakh population were identified as at risk.

“As a precautionary measure, 1,505 people from vulnerable areas have already been shifted to designated rescue centres, while evacuation plans remain in place for other vulnerable locations,” a government spokesman said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a review meeting at Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to review the restoration works, relief measures and overall flood preparedness. 

Mr. Abdullah was informed that 744 rescue centres, 108 SDRF boats, 25 Army boats, 98 satellite phones, 102 identified helipads and adequate emergency response funds have been kept ready to strengthen rescue and relief operations.

“District Emergency Operations Centres and the State Emergency Operations Centre are functioning round the clock to monitor the situation and coordinate response measures,” said the spokesman.

A total of 363 vulnerable locations have been identified, 142 mock drills conducted, and 138 functional helipads earmarked for emergency operations, said the spokesman. 

At least 22 people have died in landslides and flash floods since July 19 in J&K. Two more people died and five others were injured on Wednesday after shooting stones hit a vehicle at Gangroo in Ramsoo area of Ramban district. One body was recovered from the Guzerbal Nallah area of Bandipora district on Wednesday afternoon. 

Meanwhile, J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chowdhary and National Conference Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmed had a narrow escape after their cavalcade faced landslips in Poonch and Rajouri districts.

“Many areas have recorded 330 mm of rain till Wednesday morning. A fresh spell is likely tomorrow, July 23, especially in Jammu and Pir Panjal valley. The weather will improve from July 24,” said Mukhtar Ahmad, director of the meteorological department.