JAMMU: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah who arrived here this afternoon visited various flood affected areas in Jammu and received first hand appraisal of the rescue and relief operations from the Divisional Administration.
The Chief Minister visited Jhorian in Akhnoor Sector and took stock of the arrangements made for the evacuated population of Phargawal Island. He interacted with the evacuated families and ascertained the status of their welfare. He directed the concerned agencies for providing food, blankets and other items of requirement to the flood-hit families.
The Chief Minister was told that as many as 76 human lives have been lost in the flood affected areas in Jammu Division. He was informed that 25 dead bodies have been recovered from the bus which was washed away in Nowshera area due to flash floods.
Omar Abdullah was told that 1010 villages have been affected by the floods and huge damage has been caused to private property, houses, crops, cattle and public infrastructure including roads, bridges, water supply schemes and power installation.
The Chief Minister received brief on the rescue and relief operation being carried over in the Division. He directed for giving top priority to safeguarding human lives and evacuating people from submerged areas.
The Chief Minister visited 4th Bridge on River Tawi which has been damaged due to flood. He also visited Gujjar Nagar and other areas and interacted with people. He expressed solidarity with them and said that government would take all measures to provide necessary help to the affected people in the present hour of crisis. He said Army; State Police, Civil Administration and NDRF teams are working in coordination to carry on rescue and relief operations.
Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma and Minister of State for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Nazir Ahmad Gurezi also accompanied the Chief Minister during his visit.