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| Flood alert: 1,017 vulnerable locations identified across J&K | | CM Omar chairs high level meeting | |  Early Times Report
Jammu, July 22: Amid the continuing threat of flash floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has identified 1,017 flood-prone and vulnerable locations across the Union Territory, where over 10 lakh people are at risk, even as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday directed officials to maintain the highest level of preparedness and ensure swift restoration of essential services.
Chairing a high-level review meeting in Srinagar to assess restoration works, relief measures and overall flood preparedness, the Chief Minister was informed that 654 vulnerable villages in the Kashmir Valley, with an estimated 7.22 lakh people at risk, have been identified. As a precautionary measure, 1,505 people from vulnerable areas have already been shifted to designated rescue centres, while evacuation plans remain in place for other identified locations.
For the 10 districts of the Jammu division, officials informed the meeting that 363 vulnerable locations have been identified, 142 mock drills conducted and 138 functional helipads earmarked for emergency operations. Adequate SDRF funds, trained volunteers and emergency response equipment have also been kept in readiness.
The meeting was further informed that 744 rescue centres, 108 SDRF boats, 25 Army boats, 98 satellite phones, 102 identified helipads and adequate emergency response funds have been kept ready to strengthen rescue and relief operations. District Emergency Operations Centres and the State Emergency Operations Centre are functioning round the clock to monitor the situation and coordinate emergency response.
Stressing the need to maintain a high state of preparedness, Omar Abdullah said recurring flood-like situations caused by erratic weather patterns require sustained planning, resilient infrastructure and a coordinated response.
He directed all concerned departments to take every possible measure to minimise the loss of life and property, restore essential services—particularly drinking water and electricity—within 24 hours wherever feasible, prioritise vulnerable locations and intensify efforts to trace and rescue missing persons.
The Chief Minister also asked the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir to immediately assess the flood situation and identify the worst-affected districts. He instructed that adequate funds, on the pattern followed during 2025-26, be placed at the disposal of Deputy Commissioners to facilitate immediate relief, rehabilitation and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
Reviewing the rescue and relief operations in the flood-ravaged districts of Poonch and Rajouri, Omar Abdullah directed the district administrations to ensure that all relief camps are adequately stocked with food, drinking water and medical facilities. Officials informed him that joint rescue and relief operations involving the Civil Administration, Police, SDRF, NDRF, Army, BRO and other line departments were launched immediately after the flash floods and are continuing in the affected areas.
The Chief Minister also instructed the Power Development Department to expedite the restoration of electricity in the worst-hit districts, noting that the restoration of drinking water supply schemes largely depends on the availability of power. He directed officials to complete restoration works within the stipulated timeline and resolve all remaining issues without delay.
Reviewing the district-wise status of relief disbursement and damage assessment, Omar Abdullah asked Deputy Commissioners to ensure timely financial assistance to affected families in accordance with the prescribed norms. He also directed the concerned departments to expedite the assessment of damage to houses, livestock, public infrastructure and agricultural land to ensure early restoration and compensation.
During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir gave detailed presentations on flood preparedness and relief measures undertaken in their respective regions.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that the Kashmir Division has activated a comprehensive flood preparedness mechanism, with all Deputy Commissioners, district administrations and line departments on high alert. Rescue teams, evacuation centres, emergency equipment and essential services have been strategically positioned to ensure a swift and coordinated response to any eventuality.
The meeting was also informed that restoration machinery has been pre-positioned at vulnerable locations across the Union Territory, while all district administrations and line departments remain on high alert to tackle any emergency arising from the ongoing spell of inclement weather. |
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