Jammu, August 5: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday visited the flash flood and landslide-hit areas of Poonch district to assess the ground situation and review the ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures following last month’s devastating rainfall.
The Chief Minister travelled to Poonch via the historic Mughal Road and was received at Pir Ki Gali by Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, Surankote MLA Choudhary Mohammad Akram and senior civil and police officials.
During his visit, Omar Abdullah reached Murrah area of Surankote, where he met a family that lost its loved ones in the recent cloudburst. He expressed condolences to the bereaved family, conveyed solidarity with them and assured all possible assistance and support from the government.
The Chief Minister also interacted with affected residents and took stock of the damage caused by the flash floods and landslides. He reviewed the relief, restoration and rehabilitation efforts with the district administration.
Surankote remained among the worst-affected areas in the July 19 rain-related disaster, which claimed 16 lives in Poonch district, while six people are still reported missing. Heavy rains triggered cloudbursts, flash floods and landslides, causing extensive damage to houses, roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.
Hundreds of families have been affected by the calamity, with many shifted to safer locations as authorities continue assessing the extent of the destruction and providing assistance to those in need.
Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had chaired a high-level meeting in Jammu to review the situation after the heavy rainfall and announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 6 lakh for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in rain-related incidents in Poonch and adjoining Rajouri district.
The Chief Minister had expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and assured that the government stands firmly with the affected families during this difficult time.
