Shah tours flood-hit Jammu, assures assistance from Centre

JAMMU: Taking stock of the devastation caused by the recent spell of heavy rains and related disasters in Jammu, Union Home minister Amit Shah on Monday said the Centre had spared no efforts in ensuring prompt rescue and relief, and that PM Narendra Modi had spoken to J&K LG Manoj Sinha and CM Omar Abdullah.

The home minister, who visited the areas hit by flash floods and landslides and met the affected people in Mangu Chak village, expressed grief over the loss of lives. He assured the people that the govt was standing firmly by their side. Accompanied by Sinha, Omar, several BJP leaders and officials, union minister Amit Shah also inspected the Tawi bridge at Bikram Chowk, and the homes and critical infrastructure damaged by the floods in Jammu.

He later chaired a high-level meeting to assess the situation, where he appreciated all agencies for their relief efforts, including the pivotal role played by the Army and security forces in swift rescue missions and evacuations that has helped save many lives. Shah assured full support of the CAPFs in managing natural calamities in the UT.

The minister said while an amount of Rs 209 crore had been allocated to SDRF for immediate relief work, advanced survey teams from MHA would assess the damage and further assistance would be provided. A meeting of relevant departments from the central and J&K govts would be held within one or two days, he added. The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage remained suspended for the seventh consecutive day on Monday owing to inclement weather.

(With inputs from Naseer Ganai in Srinagar)