J&K floods: 8 NDRF teams rushed to the valley

To deal with the flood situation, the Centre has released Rs 200 crore for interim rescue and relief operations in J&K, besides rushing eight NDRF teams to the state. The NDRF teams will be stationed in south, central and north Kashmir.

The Army and the IAF too have kept their troops and resources at standby to deal with any eventuality, said Udhampur-based Defence spokesman Colonel S D Goswami. The Army has kept on alert 20 columns along with rescue boats and other equipment. He said Army engineers are also undertaking the strengthening of weak spots on the bunds of Jhelum river near Sonwar.

The IAF has kept two Mi-17s on standby at Jammu, Udhampur and Srinagar. These are in addition to a Cheetah helicopter each at Jammu and Srinagar.

Meanwhile, CM Mufti Mohammad Sayeed apprised Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh of the situation in the state. Pointing out that the Centre has released Rs 200 crore for rescue and relief operations, he told the Assembly the government was keeping a close watch on the Valley where flood-like situation has been created. He said the water level though above danger mark has started receding in Jhelum.

Meanwhile, landslides and flash floods have thrown life out of gear across Jammu. About 5,000 vehicles were stranded along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway Monday. Three persons along with their cattle on way from Pancheri to Udhampur were trapped in a nullah. While two were rescued, the third is feared to have been washed away along with the cattle. ens

Source:: Indian Express