Over 96,000 persons have been rescued so far by the Armed Forces and NDRF from different parts of Jammu & Kashmir in the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the flood ravaged State. Eighty four transport aircraft and helicopters of Indian Air Force and Army Aviation Corps have been pressed into service. Army has deployed around 30,000 troops for rescue and relief operations, in which 21,000 troops are deployed in Srinagar region and 9,000 troops in Jammu region.
Armed Forces personnel are distributing water bottles and food packets on a large scale. So far 2,24,000 litres of water, 2.6 tonne of biscuit, 7 tonne baby food and 31,500 food packets have already been airdropped and distributed in the flood-affected areas. 8,200 blankets and 650 tents were provided to the flood victims. In an endeavor to provide speedy medical aid to the affected populace, 80 medical teams of the Armed Forces Medical Services are already operating in full swing.
Till now they have treated more than 21,500 patients. More relief materials including blankets and tents, water bottles and food packets are being airlifted from Hyderabad, Baroda, Golden Temple (Amritsar), Ambala and Delhi. So far 930 sorties were undertaken by the helicopters and aircraft of Armed Forces. 1237 tonnes of relief materials were dropped by the Indian Air Force. Keeping in view of urgent requirement of more boats in the rescue operation, Army has deployed 90 more boats in Srinagar and adjoining areas.
A total of 224 boats of Army and 148 NDRF’s inflatable boats are actively involved in the rescue operation. Armed Forces have also established 19 relief camps in Srinagar and Jammu region. In Srinagar region, camps were established at BB Cantt, Avantipur, Old Airfield, Sumbal, Chattargam and Jijamata Mandir, where thousands of rescued people are being sheltered. They are also being provided with food and other basic amenities.
To restore the road connectivity, five task forces of Border Roads Organisation, which include 5700 personnel, have been pressed into service. As of now, they have restored the road connectivity from Batote – Kishtwar and Kishtwar – Sinthan Pass. Work between Sinthan Pass and Anantnag is now open for light vehicles. Jammu – Poonch road has been cleared for traffic. On the Jammu – Srinagar highway, BRO personnel are trying hard to clear the road blocked by fresh landslide at KM 69 and KM 131.
