JAMMU, Aug 6: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited flood-affected areas of Rajouri district to assess the damage caused by last month’s heavy rains and review the ongoing relief, restoration and rehabilitation measures.
The visit came a day after the Chief Minister toured flash flood and landslide-hit areas of neighbouring Poonch district, where 16 people lost their lives and six others are still missing following the recent rain-induced disaster.
Before leaving for Rajouri, Abdullah posted on X that he would assess the damage caused by floods and landslides, interact with affected families, and review the progress of relief and rehabilitation efforts. He also said he would hold a meeting with the district administration to ensure timely assistance reaches those affected.
Accompanied by local legislators and senior civil and police officials, the Chief Minister visited several flood-ravaged areas, including Bela Colony and the bus stand area, among the worst-hit locations in the district. He interacted with residents and took stock of the damage caused by the floods.
Residents urged the Chief Minister to sanction the construction of a permanent concrete embankment along Bela Colony to protect homes from future flooding. They also raised various demands related to restoration of damaged infrastructure and rehabilitation of affected families.
Congress MLA from Rajouri, Iftkhar Ahmed, who accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit, stressed the need for immediate relief, restoration and long-term rehabilitation measures for those affected by the disaster.
Ahmed also requested the release of funds for the long-pending Mini Secretariat project in Rajouri, stating that the existing district administrative complex was unsafe and that the new facility was essential for improving public service delivery.
On Wednesday, Abdullah had travelled to Poonch via the Mughal Road from Srinagar to review the situation in flood- and landslide-affected areas.
Last month’s torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides across several parts of the Jammu region. The disaster claimed 26 lives in Rajouri district, with five people still missing, while Poonch reported 16 fatalities.
