Major rescue operation in J&K

Massive rescue operations have been launched in Jammu and Kashmir as the army and air force troops worked to save thousands of people trapped across the state. The Indian air force also rescued people from northern and eastern Pakistan.

According to Indian estimates, over 320 people have been killed in continuous rain, landslides and flash floods in both part of Kashmir.

In the worst affected flood since independence, the state observed washing away of more than 2,500 villages. The flood also killed hundreds of cattle. The districts of Anantnag, Kulgam and Pulwama have badly affected and    continuous rain hampering the rescue operations.

Over 20,000 affected people from various parts of Kashmir have been rescued so far by the Army.

The Army said that water current in River Jhelum has been a concern and its hampering the mission.

 CNN-IBN quoted Lt General Subrata Saha, GoC 15 Corps, who said, “The entire focus is on rescue in Srinagar. Through the day yesterday and last night intense rescue operations were on. The worst affected areas are Bakshinagar and Rajnagar.”

“Here the roofs are slanting, all evacuations are slow and deliberate. The water levels at some places is 6 to 7 ft,” Lt Gen Saha said, adding, “During the first three days, it was not possible to carry out any air operations. We have started air operations now. Half of the Army cantonment area is also under water and some internal rescue operations are also on, but that does not deter our job. Rescue operation is in full swing.”

Meanwhile the Met department has predicted no rains for the next three to five days.

“There is no chance of rain in the state for the next 3 to 5 days, though the sky will remain cloudy. Warnings were issued on time, the first warning was issued on September 2. This happened due to convergence between western disturbance and low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. This low pressure area has now weakened, we are predicting that there is going to be no rainfall for the next 3 to 5 days,” Met department Director BP Yadav told reporters.

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah assured people of help.

“This is an unprecedented situation and we are doing the best we can under the circumstances. Please don’t panic, we will reach you, I promise,” he tweeted.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who visited the state on Sunday to review the situations, called the flood a  “national disaster” and assured a help of additional Rs 1,000 crore (nearly $170 million) for aid and compensations.
Modi also offered assistance to Pakistan in rescuing people from Pak occupied Kashmir.

“In this hour of need, I offer any assistance that you may need in the relief efforts that will be undertaken by the government of Pakistan. Our resources are at your disposal wherever you need them,” Modi wrote to Nawaz Sharif.

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