Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Oct 26: Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, has directed the State administration to remain in readiness to mount any relief and rescue operation following a massive earthquake that jolted J&K and northern parts of the country this afternoon.
The Chief Minister has directed respective Divisional Commissioners to keep an eye on the emerging situation and maintain close coordination with the Deputy Commissioners to mobilize immediate rescue and relief, wherever necessary.
Mufti Sayeed also directed that all essential services, particularly those related to the health sector, be kept in absolute readiness to cater to any emergency. He also stressed upon ensuring the availability of doctors and paramedical staff at all hospitals and those associated with the two medical colleges of Srinagar and Jammu, as also the tertiary-care hospital, SKIMS Soura.
The Chief Minister also passed instructions for establishing a control room which will collect information from across the State related to loss of life or damage to property, if any.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister expressed grief over the huge loss of life in a massive earthquake which hit Afghanistan and parts of Pakistan and northern States of India, including Jammu & Kashmir.
He also condoled the loss of precious lives in the state following the earthquake that triggered panic across the State.
In his message, Mufti Sayeed expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and prayed for peace to the departed souls.