NEW DELHI, JULY 19: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the flood situation in Rajouri district after heavy overnight rainfall triggered flash floods and landslides across parts of the Jammu region.
Shah, who is on a three-day visit to West Bengal, assured the Union Government’s full support and directed that all possible assistance be extended to ensure the safety and security of those affected, officials said.
The heavy rains have caused widespread devastation in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri, leaving at least eight people dead and six others missing. Rescue operations involving multiple agencies are underway as teams continue to search for the missing despite damaged roads and persistent rainfall.
Surankote tehsil in Poonch district has emerged as the worst-affected area, accounting for most of the fatalities.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was in New Delhi for the proposed statehood protest, announced that he was cutting short his visit and returning to Jammu on Sunday afternoon to personally monitor the evolving situation.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also reviewed the flood situation and directed the administration to ensure immediate rescue, relief, and assistance to affected families in the rain and flash flood-hit districts.
