Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to review the situation arising out of heavy rainfall and flash floods in the Union Territory, assuring every possible assistance from the Centre to deal with the situation.
The telephonic conversation came in the wake of flash floods triggered by incessant rainfall that caused widespread disruption across the Chenab Valley earlier this week, damaging infrastructure, disrupting road connectivity and affecting the ongoing annual Machail Yatra.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Home Minister enquired about the prevailing weather situation and assured all possible support from the Central Government.
“Due to the weather, we had to face difficulties in some areas—especially towards the Chenab Valley and Kathua. The Home Minister called to learn about the situation, and I gave him all the information. He said that if we need help from the Central Government in the future, they are ready to provide assistance,” Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister said he briefed Shah on the latest developments following heavy rainfall that affected several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the Chenab region and Kathua district.
The Home Minister’s call came after flash floods on Monday wreaked havoc across the Chenab Valley, severely impacting road connectivity in Doda district and causing damage to infrastructure at the 540 MW Kwar Hydroelectric Power Project in Kishtwar district.
In Doda district, National Highway-244 was blocked at Premnagar after floodwaters, mud and debris swept onto the road, bringing vehicular movement to a complete standstill.
Several vehicles remained stranded on both sides of the highway as authorities launched restoration work to reopen the vital road link.
The disruption also affected the ongoing Machail Yatra, with officials advising pilgrims and commuters to avoid the route until it is declared safe for travel.
Speaking to a news agency, NHIDCL Highway Manager Sunny Padha described the situation at Premnagar as unprecedented and said immediate action was taken to restore connectivity.
“Actually, this is Neeraj Prem Nagar, near the Kalka Mata Temple. My vehicle was parked there. I received a call in the morning informing me about the situation. When I reached the spot, the atmosphere was terrifying. There was severe flooding, and I even have a video of it,” Padha said.
“Since I am the highway manager for this area, I immediately called for an excavator and a JCB machine. We cleared the debris and restored traffic movement, but the flooding in the morning was indescribable,” he added.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as intermittent rainfall persists across several districts, while restoration work is underway at affected locations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast further rainfall over Jammu and Kashmir during the coming days and has advised people living in vulnerable areas to remain alert in view of the possibility of landslides, flash floods and shooting stones, particularly in the hilly districts.
