Amid the threat of flash floods and landslides triggered by incessant rains in different parts of the Union Territory, 1,017 vulnerable locations, with over 10 lakh people at risk, have been identified across Jammu and Kashmir.
During a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar on Wednesday to review restoration works, relief measures and overall flood preparedness in the wake of incessant rains and flash floods, officials informed that 654 vulnerable villages, with an estimated 7.22 lakh people at risk, have been identified across the Kashmir Valley.
As a precautionary measure, 1,505 people from vulnerable areas have already been shifted to designated rescue centres, while evacuation plans remain in place for other vulnerable locations.
For the 10 districts of the Jammu division, the meeting was informed that 363 vulnerable locations have been identified, 142 mock drills conducted and 138 functional helipads earmarked for emergency operations. Adequate SDRF funds, trained volunteers and emergency response equipment have also been kept in readiness.
Officials further informed that 744 rescue centres, 108 SDRF boats, 25 Army boats, 98 satellite phones, 102 identified helipads, and adequate emergency response funds have been kept ready to strengthen rescue and relief operations. District Emergency Operations Centres and the State Emergency Operations Centre are functioning round the clock to monitor the situation and coordinate response measures.
While chairing the meeting, the chief minister stressed the need to maintain a high state of preparedness to effectively deal with flood-like situations arising from erratic weather patterns.
He emphasised the importance of adopting long-term flood mitigation measures, noting that recurring flood-like events necessitate sustained planning and resilient infrastructure. He instructed the concerned departments to take all necessary steps to minimise the loss of life and property, ensure the restoration of essential services—particularly drinking water and electricity—within 24 hours, prioritise vulnerable locations, and intensify efforts to trace and retrieve missing persons.
The chief minister directed the divisional commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu to undertake an immediate assessment of the flood situation and identify the worst-affected districts. He further instructed that adequate funds, on the pattern followed during 2025-26, be placed at the disposal of the deputy commissioners of these districts to facilitate immediate relief, rehabilitation and restoration of damaged infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected districts of Poonch and Rajouri. He directed the district administrations to ensure that all relief camps are adequately equipped with essential food supplies, drinking water and medical facilities for the affected population. The meeting was informed that joint rescue and relief operations involving the civil administration, police, SDRF, NDRF, army, BRO and other line departments were launched immediately after the flash floods and are continuing in the affected areas.
He also directed the concerned officers to intensify efforts to restore electricity supply in the worst-affected districts of Poonch and Rajouri, observing that the restoration of drinking water supply schemes is largely dependent on the timely restoration of power. He instructed the Power Development Department to complete the restoration works within the stipulated timeline and ensure that any remaining issues are resolved without delay so that essential public services, particularly water supply, are fully restored at the earliest.
The chief minister also reviewed the district-wise status of relief disbursement and damage assessment, directing the deputy commissioners to ensure timely assistance to all affected families in accordance with the prescribed norms. He further reviewed the damage to houses, livestock, public infrastructure and agricultural land and instructed the concerned departments to expedite assessment, restoration and compensation without delay.
During the meeting, a detailed presentation was made by the Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir regarding flood preparedness and the relief measures undertaken in their respective regions.
The Chief Minister was informed that the Kashmir Division has put in place a comprehensive flood preparedness mechanism, with all deputy commissioners, district administrations and line departments on high alert. Rescue teams, evacuation centres, emergency equipment and essential services have been positioned to ensure a prompt and coordinated response to any eventuality.
The meeting was also informed that restoration machinery has been pre-positioned at vulnerable locations, while district administrations and line departments remain on high alert to ensure a swift response to any emergency.
