JAMMU, Aug 5: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday visited the flash flood and landslide-affected areas of Poonch to assess the ground situation, meet affected families, and review ongoing relief, rehabilitation and restoration efforts following last month’s devastating rain fury that claimed 16 lives and left six others missing.
According to the Chief Minister’s Office, Abdullah is visiting the affected areas to assess the extent of the damage and evaluate relief requirements firsthand. During the visit, he will also hold a review meeting with the district administration to monitor the progress of rescue, rehabilitation and restoration works.
The Chief Minister travelled to Poonch via the historic Mughal Road and was received at Pir Ki Gali by Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, Surankote MLA Choudhary Mohammad Akram, and senior civil and police officials.
Surankote was the worst-hit area in the July 19 disaster, which saw torrential rains trigger cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides, causing widespread destruction. The calamity swept away houses and vehicles, damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure, and disrupted connectivity and essential services across several parts of the border district.
During his visit, Abdullah is scheduled to interact with bereaved families, inspect the affected areas, and review the damage caused by the disaster. Hundreds of families were impacted, with many shifted to safer locations as authorities continue to assess losses and undertake restoration work.
Soon after the disaster on July 19, the Chief Minister chaired a high-level review meeting in Jammu and announced an ex gratia relief of Rs 6 lakh for the next of kin of those killed in rain-related incidents in Poonch and neighbouring Rajouri district, where three people also lost their lives and one person remains missing.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Abdullah had said that while financial assistance cannot compensate for the tragedy suffered by the affected families, the Jammu and Kashmir Government stands firmly with them and is committed to providing all possible support.
Officials said the Chief Minister is also likely to visit Rajouri later in the day to review the situation there.
