SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level meeting to assess relief and rehabilitation efforts for those affected by recent cloudbursts and flash floods in Kishtwar and Kathua districts.
Addressing officers, the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need for prompt relief, restoration of essential services, and the development of long-term strategies to protect vulnerable areas from recurring natural disasters.
“Whether it was a cloudburst or a glacial lake outburst, the tragedy struck at the busiest time of the year in Chashoti village. Timing worsened the impact. Meteorological advisories had warned against unnecessary travel, highlighting the need for clear SOPs and preventive guidelines for high-risk regions,” he observed.
He underscored that short-term priorities should focus on relief and rehabilitation, while medium- and long-term measures must include expert assessments of vulnerable zones, protection of agricultural lands, discouraging habitation along flood-prone nallahs, and the creation of preventive mechanisms.
On ongoing rescue operations, the Chief Minister noted: “With 33 people still missing, it is likely they may not be found alive. Our immediate focus is retrieving the deceased and supporting affected families. Equally important is rehabilitating those whose homes and livelihoods have been destroyed.”
He assured full government support for reconstruction of homes, restoration of agricultural land, and resumption of essential services. Departments were directed to arrange temporary measures, including generators, to maintain electricity supply until road connectivity is fully restored.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, briefed the CM on relief operations. Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar reported 65 deaths (62 bodies identified), 33 missing persons, and 66 rescued survivors. Temporary shelters, food, medicines, and health facilities are being provided, with the Army, Police, NDRF, SDRF, and civil administration engaged in rescue and relief using heavy machinery.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua stated seven fatalities and 13 injuries, with five areas severely affected. Immediate relief has been distributed, NGOs engaged, and temporary shelters established. Road connectivity may take about a week to restore, and efforts are underway to resume electricity, water, mobile services, and other essentials. Both private and public infrastructure have sustained significant damage.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretaries Shaleen Kabra and Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary PDD, Commissioner Secretary Food & Civil Supplies, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Deputy Commissioners of Kathua and Kishtwar, and other senior officials both in-person and virtually.
The Chief Minister directed all concerned to accelerate relief operations on a war footing while simultaneously preparing medium- and long-term disaster mitigation plans for Jammu and Kashmir’s vulnerable areas.
