Jammu and Kashmir grappling with the worst flooding in 50 years, says Omar

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Jammu, Sep 6, 2014 (IBN Live): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah addressed the media on Saturday over the deepening crisis caused in the state owing to unabated flooding, saying that the rescue of those trapped is the main priority of the government.

The CM said that it does not matter whether the Centre declares the situation in Jammu and Kashmir a ’national calamity’, as long as timely help comes for the people.

 

Abdullah informed that in Kashmir, 390 villages have submerged and another 1,090 villages have been affected because of incessant flooding with South Kashmir being totally inaccessible. Abdullah called it the worst flood in the last 50 years, saying that most areas have been cut off, with bridges and roads having been washed away.

The CM said that efforts are being relentlessly made to enter the worst-affected areas with 300 boats having been deployed to evacuate as well as rescue people.

Abdullah said that the Centre has allowed the state government to utilise 1,000 crore in the state treasury, to provide for the rescue and rehabilitation process, adding that the state government is waiting for a breach in the incessant rainfall to further the operations.

Insisting that the main priority of the government is to rescue people and get through to the villages that have been completely cut off because of flooding, Abdullah also informed that the Center will depute a team of ministers and experts in the state to aid the rescue operations.

Abdullah also informed that the evacuation of stranded people by air is likely to start tomorrow. The CM also lauded the efforts of the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force.