‘Quite Serious’: 3 dead in rain fury in Jammu and Kashmir 

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc across Jammu, prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to declare the situation “quite serious.” The CM chaired an emergency review meeting on Tuesday to assess the flood-like scenario and directed the administration to remain on high alert across the division.

In a post on X, Abdullah wrote, “I’ll be taking the next available flight from Srinagar to Jammu to personally monitor the developing situation.”

Lives Lost and Damage Reported

Officials confirmed that three people have lost their lives, while over two dozen houses and bridges have been damaged. Almost all water bodies are now flowing above the danger mark, submerging low-lying areas and several roads. Traffic on the Jammu-Srinagar and Kishtwar-Doda national highways has been suspended, and landslides have blocked many hilly routes. The Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage has also been halted as a precaution.

Relief and Rescue Efforts

During the review meeting, divisional and district officials briefed the CM about the ground situation and mitigation efforts. Abdullah directed them to ensure the timely supply of food, clean water, medicines, and essentials to all affected families, prioritizing vulnerable populations.

He stressed the need for uninterrupted power supply to hospitals and vital installations and called for immediate coordination with Fire and Emergency Services in case of equipment shortages.

Focus on Connectivity and Communication

Abdullah instructed teams to restore key roads and connectivity routes quickly to facilitate the movement of essential supplies and rescue operations. Officials have activated control rooms and deployed men and machinery to tackle emergencies, ensuring constant communication with the public for timely updates and assistance.