Jammu, Sep 01: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Monday visited Jammu to assess the damage caused by heavy rains, floods, and landslides in the region. During his visit, Shah met affected families in Mangu Chak village, inspected the damaged Tawi Bridge at Bikram Chowk, the Shiv Temple, and several flood-hit homes.
Following the inspection, the Home Minister chaired a high-level review meeting with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and senior officers of the Centre and Union Territory administration.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Shah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been monitoring the situation closely since the beginning and had assured full support to the Union Territory. He added that coordinated rescue efforts by multiple agencies had helped minimize damage and save lives.
Shah emphasized the urgent need to strengthen Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) and cloudburst early warning systems, stressing that a critical analysis of existing Early Warning Apps (EWAs), their accuracy, and grassroots reach was vital to moving toward a “zero-casualty” approach. He directed the Meteorological Department and NDMA to jointly study weather patterns, including cloud moisture content, to establish better forecasting mechanisms using data analytics and AI.
The Home Minister also instructed the Food Corporation of India to make arrangements for additional rations, including offline delivery options if needed. He announced that advanced survey teams from the Ministry of Home Affairs would assess damages and assured that further central assistance would follow.
Highlighting preparedness, Shah said that early warnings from the Centre and the UT Disaster Management Authority had helped minimize casualties. “NDRF, Army, UTDRF, CAPFs, J&K Police, and Air Force helicopters were all kept on alert, ensuring quick mobilization of rescue teams,” he said. Over 5,000 people were evacuated to safer locations, while 17 NDRF teams and 23 Army columns continue to assist on the ground.
On relief measures, Shah noted that more than 80 percent power supply had been restored in affected areas, drinking water and health services were functioning, and road connectivity was being rapidly restored. He said compensation for damaged private property under the SDRF would be released at the earliest.
The Home Minister praised the quick and efficient rescue operations carried out by the UT administration and assured that the Centre would provide all possible assistance for relief, restoration, and long-term recovery.
“In this hour of crisis, the Government of India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” Shah said, reiterating Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to ensuring their safety and well-being.
