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

Jammu and Kashmir continued to face a bad situation due to ongoing rainy weather, which flooded most of the rivers and streams and triggered landslides for the fourth day on Wednesday (July 22). Officials said 654 vulnerable villages with an estimated population of 7.22 lakh have been identified as being at risk.

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

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a review meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Srinagar to review 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 designated helipads and adequate emergency response funds have been kept ready to strengthen rescue and relief operations.

“District Emergency Operations Centers and State Emergency Operations Center are working around the clock to monitor the situation and coordinate response measures,” the spokesman said.

The spokesman said that a total of 363 sensitive points were identified, 142 drills were conducted and 138 functional helipads were allocated for emergency operations.

At least 22 people have lost their lives in landslides and floods in J&K since July 19. Two more people died and five others were injured when a vehicle was hit by a stone at Gangroo in Ramsoo district of Ramban district on Wednesday. A body was found in 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 encountered landslides in Poonch and Rajouri districts.

Meteorological department director Mukhtar Ahmad said, “330 mm of rain was recorded in many areas until Wednesday morning. Another rainfall is expected tomorrow, July 23, especially in Jammu and Pir Panjal valley. The weather will improve from July 24.”