Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Oct 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Monday revealed that recent floods, cloudbursts, and heavy rains caused widespread destruction across the Union Territory, resulting in loss of lives and extensive damage to both public and private property.
Responding to a question by MLA Nizamuddin Bhat, the Minister for Disaster Management said that a total of 21,573 structures were damaged in Jammu division, while 980 structures were affected in Kashmir division during the recent weather-related disasters.
The government said that 152 people, including 151 in Jammu and one in Kashmir, lost their lives due to rain-related incidents, flash floods, and cloudbursts that affected several districts, especially in hilly and remote areas. Livestock and standing crops also suffered significant losses, it added.
A total compensation of Rs. 5,246.47 lakhs has been paid for damages in Jammu division, while Rs. 1,914.44 lakh has been disbursed in Kashmir so far, the government said.
Relief efforts included organising relief and medical camps across the affected areas, providing shelter, food, and household essentials to flood-affected families, the minister said.
He said immediate restoration work was undertaken to restore power, water supply, and road connectivity to support rehabilitation.
The minister said that relief was provided to affected individuals and families as per the guidelines of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
He said rehabilitation and restoration of public infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, have been initiated in accordance with SDRF norms.
