Srinagar: The administration of flood-hit Jammu and Kashmir is working to restore drinking water supply and electricity in Srinagar on Thursday. Notify that this region had been devastated by flood.
The administration has ordered all government employees to report to duty so that efforts can be ramped up to salvage the situation.
Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Rohit Kansal said, “Around 20% of the water supply has been restored and telecom services have been restored partially. Efforts are on to clear the roads.”
Areas which used to get drinking water Rangil and Doodgang water supply plant are still cut off. The Army and Air Force have so far flown in 2,24,000 litres of water.
Notify that residents had claimed that Srinagar is reeling under water shortage. Stocks of distilled water bottles have been exhausted in all shops because of the huge demand.
Director of health services of Kashmir, Saleem-ul-Rehman has asked people to use boiled water and even wash the utensils with boiled water.
Kansal had given the overview of the extent of damage and said that out of the 12 districts of Kashmir eight were affected either fully or partially affecting 20 lakh people. He also said that four of the districts were cut off. The floods resulted in damage of 50 bridges and 170 km of roads.
With internet facilities down, airline kiosks at the airport were swamped with people trying to buy tickets. ATMs of all the banks are not working and with many banks shut there is a cash crunch.
S D Goswami, defence spokesman of the Northern command Army Engineers said that over 96,000 persons have been rescued so far by the Armed Forces and the NDRF.
The Air Force and Army Aviation Corps have been pressed 84 transport aircraft and helicopters into service. The Army has deployed around 30,000 troops for rescue and relief operations of which 21,000 are in Srinagar region and 9,000 in Jammu region. So far 2,24,000 litres of water, 2.6 tonnes of biscuit, seven tones of baby food and 31,500 food packets have been airdropped and distributed in the flood-affected areas along with 8,200 blankets and 650 tents provided to the flood victims, Goswami added.
He also said 80 medical teams of the Army are already operating in full swing. Till now they have treated more than 21,500 patients. More relief materials including blankets and tents, water bottles and food packets are being airlifted from Hyderabad, Baroda, Golden Temple (Amritsar), Ambala and Delhi. So far 930 sorties have been undertaken.
Goswami said that Army has deployed 90 more boats in Srinagar and adjoining areas. A total of 224 boats of Army and 148 NDRF’s inflatable boats are actively involved in the rescue operation. 19 relief camps had been established in the state and five task forces of Border Roads Organization with 5700 personnel have been pressed into service to restore connectivity.
Bureau Report
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