Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Assesses Flood Impact Following Jhelum Breach at Shalina
Assures Full Support to Affected Families, Calls on Union Government for Relief Measures
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today conducted an extensive visit to flood-affected areas of Srinagar and Budgam districts, reaching interior localities by boat after the River Jhelum breached its embankment at Shalina near Lasjan.
The Chief Minister inspected Taingan, Lasjan, and Shalina, personally assessing the situation in submerged areas. He interacted with affected residents, assuring them that the government would provide all possible assistance and support.
“The immediate priority is to rescue people from inundated areas, evacuate them to safety, and provide instant relief,” he said. He directed authorities to ensure smooth and secure evacuations, and instructed the establishment of temporary shelters equipped with safe drinking water, food, and medical facilities.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Chief Minister’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, and MLAs from Chadoora, Chanapora, and Lal Chowk accompanied him. Senior officials present included Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Budgam, Director Health Services Kashmir, and Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Kashmir.
The Chief Minister urged residents of adjoining areas to adhere strictly to official advisories and cooperate fully with rescue and relief operations.
Speaking on-site, Omar Abdullah said: “The fears we had yesterday due to continuous rains and rising Jhelum water levels have unfortunately materialized, causing flooding in several areas. We are, however, grateful to Almighty Allah that timely evacuations were carried out and, most importantly, there has been no loss of human life.”
Acknowledging the significant financial and property losses, he added: “A Central Government team has been deputed to assess damages in ten districts of Jammu. I will request the Hon’ble Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, to extend the same to Kashmir so that damages in Kulgam, Anantnag, Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Bandipora, and other affected areas are properly assessed. It is our responsibility to evaluate losses and ensure necessary relief and rehabilitation for our people.”
The Chief Minister also directed the provision of potable water to affected families and additional boats for evacuating livestock stranded in submerged sheds.
