Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed officials to evacuate people from areas affected by flash floods and landslides triggered by recurring cloudbursts across the Union Territory (UT).
He also directed officials to relocate population from cloudburst- and flash flood-prone regions to prevent further loss of life. He has asked officials to ensure round-the-clock monitoring and carry out timely evacuation of residents from risk-prone areas.
His comments came in the aftermath of two fresh incidents of cloudbursts and landslides in Ramban and Reasi districts, where at least 11 people, including seven members of a family, were killed on Saturday.
The recurrent natural disasters in J&K have posed serious challenges to the administration and raised questions about the overexploitation of natural resources. Environmental concerns such as deforestation, unplanned construction, and the development of mega projects are threatening the whole ecosystem of the mountainous and fragile regions.
Omar expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. In Ramban’s Rajgarh area, four members of a family lost their lives and one person went missing in flash floods. In a separate incident, a couple and their five children were buried alive in a landslide at Badder village in Mahore, Reasi district.
Omar also advised people to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety advisories issued by the administration and departments concerned.
In a post on X, Abdullah said he had directed the district administration and disaster management authorities to remain on the ground, ensure round-the-clock monitoring, carry out timely evacuation of residents from risk-prone zones, and provide immediate relief and assistance to affected families.
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