Srinagar : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting at the Civil Secretariat to assess the prevailing situation caused by continuous rainfall and flash floods across Jammu & Kashmir. He reviewed flood preparedness, rescue operations, relief measures and the restoration of essential services, directing the administration to remain on maximum alert.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Health, Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, senior administrative secretaries, divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and other top officials. Several ministers and district officers participated through video conferencing.

Expressing concern over the impact of the ongoing adverse weather, the Chief Minister stressed the need for a proactive and coordinated response. He directed all departments to ensure the safety of the public, minimise damage to life and property, and restore essential services, particularly electricity and drinking water, within the shortest possible time.

Highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, Omar Abdullah called for long-term flood mitigation measures, resilient infrastructure and better disaster management planning. He instructed officials to prioritise vulnerable areas, intensify search efforts for missing persons and ensure timely relief and rehabilitation for affected families.

The Chief Minister directed the Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu to identify the worst-affected districts and ensure that Deputy Commissioners are provided adequate financial support for immediate restoration, relief and rehabilitation works.

Reviewing the situation in the flood-hit districts of Poonch and Rajouri, he instructed the district administrations to ensure that relief camps are fully equipped with food, safe drinking water, healthcare and other essential facilities. He appreciated the coordinated rescue efforts of the Civil Administration, Police, SDRF, NDRF, Army, BRO and other departments working in the affected areas.

The meeting was informed that Kashmir Division has activated an extensive flood preparedness plan, with all district administrations on high alert. A total of 654 vulnerable villages, covering nearly 7.22 lakh people, have been identified across the Valley. As a precaution, 1,505 residents have already been shifted to safer locations, while evacuation plans remain ready for other vulnerable areas.

Officials also informed that 744 rescue centres, 108 SDRF boats, 25 Army boats, 98 satellite phones and 102 helipads have been kept ready to strengthen emergency response. Emergency Operation Centres at the district and state levels are functioning round the clock to monitor the situation.

The Chief Minister was informed that the water level in the River Jhelum continues to remain below the warning mark and that flood control teams are maintaining constant surveillance. Essential services, including healthcare, drinking water and telecommunications, are functioning normally with contingency arrangements in place.

For Jammu Division, officials informed the meeting that 363 vulnerable locations have been identified, 142 mock drills conducted and 138 helipads kept ready for emergency operations. Restoration machinery, trained volunteers and disaster response teams have also been positioned at strategic locations to ensure a swift response.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to public safety, the Chief Minister directed all departments to maintain close coordination, remain fully prepared for any eventuality and ensure timely assistance to every affected family.

Report by – Mudasir Maqbool