Situation remain grim in flood-hit J&K, 23530 rescued

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) chaired by Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth continued its review of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Rescue efforts are now continuing near Pantha Chowk, Srinagar. Additionally, Naval Diving Teams are also positioned on standby at New Delhi, Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam for the rescue efforts," the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

"So far 23,530 stranded people have been evacuated by the Army in different regions of J&K. Army has deployed 215 columns of its personnel for rescue and relief operations. They have distributed 5,000 blankets and 140 tents. The Army also distributed 23,000 litres of water and 600 kilograms of biscuit in the flood-affected areas. Additional water bottles are being airlifted from Chandigarh and Delhi. In an endeavor to provide speedy medical aid to the affected populace, 80 medical teams of the Armed Forces Medical Services have also swung into action," it said.

Deployed for the first time in the ongoing devastating flood situation in J&K, the Naval Marine Commandos rescued around 200 personnel at Haigaon on Srinagar – Sopore highway.

Rescue efforts are now continuing near Pantha Chowk, Srinagar. Additionally, Naval Diving Teams are also positioned on standby at New Delhi, Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam for the rescue efforts. 

Eighty-five metric tonnes of medicines have been airlifted for the flood victims.

As many as 16 relief camps have been set up in different parts of the state for people hit by flood.

The Ministry said 1245 people have been airlifted by the Indian Air Force helicopters and transport aircraft.

"So far 140 sorties were undertaken by the helicopters and aircraft of Indian Air Force and 155 tonnes of relief materials are dropped by the Indian Air Force. Altogether 52 aircraft and helicopters have been pressed into action," it said.

"57 Army bauts and 118 NDRF’s inflatable boats are actively involved in the rescue operation. 30 more inflatable boats are being airlifted from Arakonam, Tamil Nadu. Eight engineering task force teams along with boats and other lifesaving equipment have already reached the flood affected areas to supplement the rescue operation. The situation is being continuously monitored and progress of the events are updated at the office of the HQ IDS in New Delhi," it said.

The Indian Army on Monday said the force will not move back to the barracks till the last man is brought to safety.

General Dalbir Singh, COAS said: "Indian Army will not move back to the barracks till the last man is brought to safety."

The state government ordered all schools and colleges to remain closed till Sept 12.

Many people are now living in relief camps and temporary shelters.

People have taken refuge at hospitals and other high rise buildings to escape the rising water level.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a special assistance of Rs. 1,000 crore for flood-affected Jammu and Kashmir. He said that Rs. 2 lakh compensation would be given to the kin of each dead and Rs. 50,000 each for those seriously injured owing to the crisis from the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

The PM undertook an aerial survey of the flood-hit belts dubbing the situation as a “national level disaster”. He assured that medical and other assistance would be provided on an urgent basis.