40 killed as J&K battles nature’s fury

Srinagar, Aug 27: Nearly 40 people lost their lives while 75 sheep perished across Jammu and Kashmir due to landslides and other incidents triggered by the heavy rainfall that continued for the third consecutive day on Wednesday.
Nearly 35 people have lost their lives in Katra in a massive landslide incident, triggered by the heavy rains near the Vaishno Devi shrine.
Similarly, two youth lost their lives after coming in contact with a live electric wire in Ganjiwara area of Anantnag town. The deceased have been identified as Irshad Ahmad Bhat (30), son of Gh Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Lower Munda, Qazigund, and Junaid Shafi Bhat (25), son of Mohd Shafi Bhat, a resident of Moominabad, Anantnag.
According to eyewitnesses, both were engaged in loading their truck when a low-tension electric wire suddenly snapped and fell on them, resulting in their on-spot death.
In another incident, at least 75 sheep perished due to severe weather conditions in the Shankerpora area of Dooru, Anantnag. The sudden loss has left the affected shepherd family devastated, as their livelihood has been severely impacted.
Soon after receiving information, senior officials from various departments visited the spot, who assured the family that their case will be taken up with higher authorities.
The distressed family has appealed to the government for immediate compensation and relief, stressing that the tragedy has pushed them into a financial crisis.
Officials confirmed that a detailed report of the losses is being prepared for further action.
Situation improves in Jammu
With the improvement in the weather conditions, the flood threat in Jammu has slightly reduced while in Kashmir, the water level has crossed the danger mark in river Jhelum and other streams on Wednesday, prompting the authorities to take immediate measures including strengthening the river embankments further.
Jammu witnessed the highest-ever water level in the rivers here after the intermittent but heavy rainfall for the past couple of days. Many bridges, as well as the roads were closed as a precautionary measure.
However, all these roads and bridges in Jammu city were reopened for vehicular movement except the one in Baghwati Nagar, which suffered a huge damage due to the recent flood-like situation.
124 NDRF personnel airlifted to Jammu
Amid the critical situation, sources said that a total of 124 personnel and a 22-ton load of NDRF were airlifted from Hindan to Jammu with the IAF using transport aircraft C-130 and IL-76.
“Six Mi-17 and one Chinook have also been pressed into relief operations,” they said, adding that at least 90 persons have been rescued from various flooded locations till 05:00 PM today.
“Relief material like drinking water and food packets is being airdropped to cut-off locations. Operations are going on in close coordination with local authorities and NDMA. IAF stands ready and resolute in providing succour and support to the affected population,” the official sources said.
Flood relief in Jammu, Pathankot
The Indian Army has deployed 13 flood relief and rescue columns in HADR operations in response to the massive floods in Jammu and Pathankot regions. Demonstrating swift and coordinated effort, the columns are tirelessly working in inclement weather conditions to save lives.
The dedicated efforts of the HADR columns in coordination with civil administration have resulted in the successful evacuation of 635 citizens, including 12 BSF and 22 CRPF personnel.
The Army remains committed to provide all necessary assistance and support to ensure the safety of all citizens in this time of crisis.
Flood threat looms in Kashmir
While the situation eases in Jammu, the valley is at the brink of floods once again, resembling the 2014-like situation when the basic services including the cellular services were not accessible.
Similarly, Kashmir Valley had no access to the call and internet services as according to the officials, the heavy rainfall and cloudbursts had resulted in the disconnection of the services. The services were restored this afternoon, but were shortly snapped again and restored in the evening.
Besides, the selling of river Jhelum created panic across Kashmir with people fearing a decade ago situation once again. The water level has increased and crossed the danger mark in river Jhelum across the Valley.
As per the details, Jhelum was flowing above flood declaration mark at Sangam. It was 23.35ft in the area where the danger mark is 25 ft according to the officials. However, the water level was receding at Sangam when the report was last filed
At Ram Munshi Bagh here, the river Jhelum was flowing above the danger mark (21.07ft). The danger mark is, however, 21 ft and the level was persistently increasing at 08:00 PM.
Similarly in Asham, the water level was increasing and was flowing at 11.58 ft, which was below flood declaration mark.
Meanwhile, the rise in water level in different streams has, however, caused damage at multiple places including at Pahalgam’s selfie point.
The water has also entered into the residential houses at multiple places including at Kursu Rajbagh, Soura and other places.
Dry weather expected for next 3 days
As the light rains continued across Jammu and Kashmir parts today, Director, Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that there is a forecast of mainly dry weather conditions for the next three days.
“Partly to generally cloudy weather is expected with mainly dry weather at many places during the next 3 hours,” Director MeT said.
In its advisory, the MeT has said that there is a possibility of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones at few vulnerable places.
The people have been advised to stay away from water bodies, river embankments, Nallas, Streams and loose structures. (KNO)