New Delhi [India], August 27 : Union Minister Jitendra Singh said on Wednesday that authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are managing the aftermath of severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall despite working through the night.
The Union Minister stated that the water levels of the River Tawi have receded, but the River Chenab's water levels have surpassed the danger mark, resulting in significant structural damage, including to the Tawi Bridge and the historic Madhupur Bridge.
Speaking to the reporters in the national capital, the Union Minister said, "Despite working through the night, authorities in Jammu are managing the aftermath of severe flooding caused by heavy rainfall... Water levels of River Tawi have receded, but the River Chenab's water levels surpassed the danger mark, leading to significant structural damage, including the Tawi Bridge and historic Madhupur Bridge... Coordination among the army, paramilitary, navy, and civil authorities is strong, with schools and colleges closed and the public urged to minimise non-essential movement... Mobile services, electricity, and water supply have been disrupted but are gradually being restored."
Heavy rainfall triggered the worst flood in 99 years, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), causing widespread damage and disruption.
The Minister confirmed that schools and colleges were closed, and people were advised to minimise non-essential movement.
The minister assured that rescue and relief work had been handled with strong coordination. He emphasised that authorities continued to remain on high alert while restoration and relief work went on across the region.
The entire Jammu division, except for Poonch and Rajouri districts, is still experiencing rain, albeit of lesser intensity, according to a latest update from Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, provided to Union Minister Jitendra Singh earlier in the day.
Jitendra Singh stated in a post on X that the Divisional Commissioner is in constant contact with him and is currently convening a meeting of officers from various departments.
The Minister said that the level of the River Tawi has receded, but the River Chenab continues to flow close to the danger mark. The immediate priority is restoration of electricity, water supply and mobile services, for which the authorities have been working continuously overnight.
SDRF, NDRF, Paramilitary, Army, and Air Force authorities are closely coordinating with the civil administration.
Meanwhile, thirty people have lost their lives after heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra, said Paramvir Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi.