Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday decided to end his visit to New Delhi early and return to Jammu after heavy rainfall caused widespread destruction in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri.
Omar had travelled to the national capital ahead of the National Conference's statehood protest planned for Monday. However, with the worsening weather situation, he said the government was keeping a close watch on developments and had instructed officials to provide every possible help to those affected.
Heavy rain battered several parts of the Jammu region overnight, with Poonch and Rajouri among the worst-hit districts. At least 11 people lost their lives, six others were reported missing, and hundreds of residents were shifted to safer places after floodwaters entered low-lying areas of Rajouri town.
The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the deaths caused by flash floods and landslides. He said the government was monitoring the situation continuously and would ensure that rescue, relief and rehabilitation work is carried out quickly in every affected area. He also conveyed his condolences to the families of those who died and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Omar said the district administration, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police and other agencies were working round the clock to carry out rescue and relief operations. He directed officials to make sure that all necessary assistance reaches affected families without any delay.
Earlier, in a post on X, the Chief Minister announced that he was returning to Jammu to personally review the situation.
“In light of the weather warning put out by the meteorological department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of Jammu division, I will leave Delhi to fly to Jammu this afternoon to personally monitor the situation on the ground,” Omar said.
He further said he had been reviewing the situation since early morning, especially in Rajouri town and nearby areas, where the rainfall had been extremely heavy. He added that he was in regular contact with local MLAs and stressed that protecting people's lives remained the administration's top priority. He assured that the government would provide all possible support to families whose homes and property had been damaged by the floods and rain.
He also clarified that the National Conference's statehood protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20 would go ahead as planned under the leadership of party president Farooq Abdullah.
Also read: 11 killed, several missing as flash floods hit Poonch and Rajouri
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