CM Omar directs intensified ground response, timely evacuation amid flood threat

With water levels in rivers and streams across the Kashmir Valley rising to alarming levels due to incessant rainfall, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday convened an emergency meeting to review the flood situation across Jammu and Kashmir.

Chairing the meeting virtually from Delhi, the Chief Minister was briefed by senior ministers and officials on the latest developments in both the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region, including reports of flashfloods, road blockages, and threats to habitations near riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.

A government spokesperson said the Chief Minister directed the administration to intensify ground-level response efforts, swiftly clear waterlogged areas, and ensure the uninterrupted supply of essential services including electricity, drinking water and healthcare. He also emphasised timely evacuation of residents from vulnerable zones.

Omar instructed divisional and district administrations to coordinate closely with disaster response teams, police, and health departments, maintaining full preparedness for any eventuality. He further directed that adequate stocks of ration, fuel, medicines, and potable water be maintained in at-risk areas, with emergency medical teams placed on standby.

Officials confirmed that the Chief Minister is receiving hourly updates on the water levels of the Jhelum River and its tributaries, as well as the status of basic services and road connectivity. He has also instructed departments to ensure advance public warnings and timely assistance to those in need.

“The safety and well-being of our citizens is our topmost priority. I appeal to the public to stay alert and cooperate fully with the administration. Together, we will overcome this challenge,” CM Omar Abdullah said in a public message.

Following the emergency meeting, Minister Sakina Itoo and Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani visited the Irrigation and Flood Control Room at Ram Munshi Bagh to assess the ongoing flood situation and preparedness measures.

Itoo emphasised the need for timely alerts and advisories to enable safe and orderly evacuation from low-lying and flood-prone areas.

Later, Itoo and Wani visited Anantnag district for a first-hand assessment of the flood situation. In line with the Chief Minister’s directions, they also reviewed relief and mitigation efforts in Anantnag and Kulgam.

“They inspected the water level at the Sangam gauge site and visited inundated areas to assess the situation, review response measures, and ensure timely assistance to affected residents,” as per Omar’s official account on X.