Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives and damage to property caused by landslides and flash floods triggered by torrential rains and cloudbursts in Poonch and Rajouri districts.
In a statement, Dr. Abdullah conveyed his condolences to the families of those killed in the calamity and expressed solidarity with them. He said at least 10 people had lost their lives, while several others were feared trapped under debris.
He lauded the efforts of the police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), civil administration and local volunteers engaged in rescue and relief operations despite adverse weather and difficult terrain.
Dr. Abdullah said the government had launched a large-scale operation to clear debris and restore connectivity to cut-off villages by deploying heavy machinery and manpower. He also noted that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had been personally monitoring the rescue and relief operations.
Expressing concern over the widespread damage to houses, vehicles, roads, bridges and other public and private property, the NC president urged the government to conduct an immediate assessment of losses and provide adequate financial assistance to affected families.
He also appealed to the administration to arrange temporary shelter, food and other essential facilities for those rendered homeless or whose houses had become uninhabitable, and to undertake their rehabilitation on a priority basis.
Referring to the damage caused by flash floods in Kishtwar, Gurez and other areas, Dr. Abdullah called on the authorities to restore road connectivity at the earliest to ease public hardships.
Meanwhile, senior National Conference leader and Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad, Rajya Sabha member Sajad Ahmad Kichloo and Poonch MLA Ajaz Jan also expressed grief over the loss of life and property. According to the statement, the leaders remained in touch with the local administration and were monitoring the ongoing rescue and relief operations.
