NEW DELHI : Relief and rescue operations gathered momentum today as water started receding in many parts of the flood-affected Jammu and Kashmir.
According to estimates available with the Ministry of Defence here, over 96,000 people have been rescued so far by the Armed Forces and NDRF in the ongoing rescue and relief operations in the flood-ravaged state.
In view of urgent requirement of more boats in the rescue operation, Army has deployed 90 more boats in Srinagar and adjoining areas. A total of 224 boats of Army and 148 NDRF’s inflatable boats are actively involved in the rescue operation. Eighty four transport aircraft and helicopters of Indian Air Force and Army Aviation Corps have been pressed into service. Army has deployed around 30,000 troops in the massive rescue operation. More than 21,000 troops have been deployed in Srinagar region alone.
Armed Forces personnel are distributing water bottles and food packets on a large scale. So far 2,24,000 litres of water, 2.6 tonne of biscuit, 7 tonne baby food and 31,500 food packets have already been air-dropped and distributed in the flood-affected areas.
Army has deployed 80 medical teams in the different parts of the state while more relief materials including blankets and tents, water bottles and food packets are being airlifted from Hyderabad, Baroda, Golden Temple (Amritsar), Ambala and Delhi. So far 930 sorties were undertaken by the helicopters and aircraft of Armed Forces and 1,237 tonne of relief materials were dropped by the Indian Air Force.
Armed Forces have also established 19 relief camps in Srinagar and Jammu region. In Srinagar region, camps were established at BB Cantt, Avantipur, Old Airfield, Sumbal, Chattargam and Jijamata Mandir, where thousands of rescued people are being sheltered.
They are also being provided with food and other basic amenities.
Five task forces of Border Roads Organisation, with 5,700 personnel have been pressed into service. As of now, they have restored the road connectivity from Batote-Kishtwar and Kishtwar-Sinthan Pass. Work between Sinthan Pass and Anantnag is now open for light vehicles. Jammu-Poonch road has been cleared for traffic. On the Jammu-Srinagar highway, BRO personnel are trying hard to clear the road blocked by fresh landslide at KM 69 and KM 131.
(AGENCIES)
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