In some respite for Jammu and Kashmir, there has been no rainfall though the night due to which the water levels of the Jhelum river are receding.
Massive dewatering operations have been launched by state irrigation and fire department authorities in Srinagar.
Evacuations are underway from the low lying areas as further downpours have been predicted in the region.
Six people have died and 10 were missing following landslides and flash floods in Jammu and Kashmir, triggered by incessant rain over two days as authorities struggled to evacuate people from low-lying areas in the Valley.
Around 650,000 residents in Srinagar that was left in a shambles last year, though, didn’t wait for the government and prepared themselves with sandbags, boats and relief material as several offices and homes were inundated.
Chief minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, however, said there was no need to panic as water levels had receded in the last few hours. The government was focusing on connectivity and a detailed evacuation plan with boats was deployed in all parts of the Valley, he said.
Sayeed also spoke to Union home minister Rajnath Singh as the Centre sent eight National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising around 400 personnel, along with rescue boats and water pumps to take part in relief operations.
The central government on Monday granted Rs 200 crore as immediate relief as Prime Minister Narendra Modi rushed minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi to Kashmir for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and coordinate with state authorities with regard to the requirements.
“Weather will improve and there will be less rainfall in the next 24 to 48 hours. Another weather system is expected on April 1 but that is also not going to be strong,’’ said Sonam Lotus, director of the meteorological department in Srinagar.
“The embankments made after last year’s floods are safe, except for a few areas where water seeped into residential areas. There is water logging and we are trying to pump it out,’’ said state public works minister Altaf Bhukari.
Three joint control rooms in south, north and central Kashmir were set up and relief camps provided with adequate ration, water, fuel, blankets and other necessary items.
Minister of state for home affairs Kiren Rijiju assured the Centre’s complete support during the crisis. “We will ensure whatever is required from the Centre in terms of coordination, material support, financial support, manpower will reach on time,” he said.
The National Crisis Management Committee, headed by cabinet secretary Ajit Seth, also reviewed the situation.
(With inputs from agencies)
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