Kathua, Sep 06: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, today conducted an extensive inspection of the ongoing protection works along the Ravi River embankment near Lakhanpur, which has suffered severe damages amidst the recent spell of torrential rains.

He was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kathua, SSP Kathua, Project Director NHAI, senior officers of Punjab Irrigation Department and representatives of the Indian Army.

During the visit, the Divisional Commissioner held threadbare discussions with all stakeholders including Kathua District Administration, Punjab Irrigation Department, NHAI and Army authorities to devise a multi-pronged strategy aimed at diverting the water flow, protecting critical assets and minimizing risk to life and property.

DC Kathua briefed the Divisional Commissioner about the emerging situation and the measures being undertaken to safeguard vital installations including the Office of the DDC Chairman, Animal Husbandry Check Post and adjoining government buildings. He informed that men and machinery have been mobilised and are working round the clock to raise crates and carry out strengthening works on vulnerable stretches of the embankment.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned departments to maintain constant coordination and ensure timely completion of protective works. Stressing on the urgency, the Div Com called for deployment of adequate resources, regular monitoring of the situation and immediate plugging of weak points along the embankment.

The Div Com further emphasized upon exploring long-term measures to provide permanent protection against any threats caused by changes in river course. He urged close liaison between J&K and Punjab authorities to evolve a joint mechanism for flood management in the Ravi River basin.

Meanwhile, the Divisional Commissioner also reviewed the relief and restorations measures ongoing in the affected areas of the District. He asked the district administration to expedite the restoration works of road connectivity that were severely affected during the heavy rains. He directed for complete restoration of Power and water supply, wherever pending in the affected areas, if any.

New Delhi, Sep 06: Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a major humanitarian operation in landslide-affected regions of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Himachal Pradesh, providing life-saving aid and rescuing hundreds stranded by relentless rains and floods.

“In landslide-affected region of Udhampur, @IAF_MCC carried out a daring mission airdropping 5.9 tonnes of life-saving food supplies. Hundreds of families trapped by relentless landslides found hope from above.

“Meanwhile, in Himachal swift and heroic operations saw 540 lives rescued and evacuated to safe areas in a remarkable 17-hour window. 4 helicopters and 35 crew worked day and night to make these missions a success. It demonstrates IAF’s unwavering commitment to #HADR @DefencePROPalam,” Western Air Command, IAF posted on X.

Udhampur has been one of the worst-hit regions, grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains, flash floods, and massive landslides.

Key roads, including the strategic Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, remain blocked near Udhampur, leaving hundreds of vehicles, including trucks carrying essential supplies, stranded.

Authorities managed to partially open the highway on Sunday after a week-long closure.

Besides road connectivity, a massive landslide and land subsidence have damaged transmission towers, leading to severe power outages in the region.

In addition, a Government High School building, a vital bridge connecting Dudu Sub Division with Chenani and Latti, and three houses collapsed due to the landslides.

The Indian military, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have launched a massive relief operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s landslide-affected areas due to heavy rains.

Over the past three weeks, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed more than 170 fatalities caused by landslides, cloudbursts, and other weather-related incidents. The IAF’s swift response has brought relief to hundreds of affected families and is proving critical in restoring hope in disaster-hit areas.

Officials have assured that relief operations will continue until connectivity is restored and stranded residents are safely rehabilitated.

Ramban, Sept 06: A Special Police Officer (SPO) lost his life early Saturday morning after accidentally falling into a steep nalla near his duty post in Luroo area of Ramsoo, Ramban district.

Police sources said that the incident occurred early morning, when the cop, identified as Snatter Singh, resident of Luroo, slipped and fell into the stream while on duty at Police Picket Luroo. He died on the spot.

The body was later retrieved and handed over to his relatives.

The police expressed condolences over the sudden demise of the officer, describing it as an unfortunate incident that occurred while he was serving in the line of duty. [KNT]