What Steps Are Being Taken to Assess Damage in Disaster-Affected States?
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Synopsis
On August 31, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced the creation of Inter-Ministerial Central Teams to assess damage in states severely affected by recent natural disasters. This initiative reflects a commitment to support and provide immediate relief to those in need.
Key Takeaways
- Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) are formed for immediate assessments in disaster-affected areas.
- The teams are visiting Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir next week.
- Financial assistance from the Central government supports immediate relief efforts.
- The Central government is committed to aiding states during natural calamities.
- Logistical support includes deployment of NDRF and military resources.
New Delhi, Aug 31 (NationPress) The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has established Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) for Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir to evaluate the destruction caused by severe rainfall, flooding, flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides, as announced by an official on Sunday.
A statement indicated that the IMCTs, formed under the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will conduct an on-site evaluation of the situation and the relief efforts undertaken by the respective state governments.
According to the MHA statement, "Under the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central government is committed to supporting the states affected by natural disasters in alleviating the hardships faced by the populace."
These Central teams are set to visit the districts impacted by floods and landslides in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir early next week. These regions have been severely impacted by intense to exceedingly heavy rainfall and occurrences of flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides during the ongoing monsoon season.
It was noted that an IMCT and a Multi-Sectoral Team have already conducted visits to Himachal Pradesh.
The Central Teams will be led by a senior officer at the Joint Secretary level from MHA/NDMA and will include high-ranking officials from the Ministries/Departments of Expenditure, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Jal Shakti, Power, Road Transport and Highways, and Rural Development.
The MHA is actively coordinating with senior officials from these states/UTs and has provided extensive logistical support, deploying necessary teams from the NDRF, alongside Army and Air Force helicopters, to assist in search and rescue operations and the restoration of essential services.
The MHA statement further clarified, "As per the directive issued by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in August 2019, the MHA promptly forms IMCTs in the aftermath of significant disasters for immediate damage assessment, without awaiting their memorandum. Following the assessment conducted by the IMCT, the Central Government allocates additional financial support to the states from the NDRF, adhering to established protocols."
In the financial year 2025-26, the Central government has allocated Rs 10,498.80 crore to 24 states through the SDRF to empower disaster-affected states to provide immediate relief assistance to the impacted individuals. Additionally, Rs 1,988.91 crore has been released from the NDRF to 12 states, Rs 3,274.90 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 20 states, and Rs 372.09 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to nine states.
Point of View
The formation of the Inter-Ministerial Central Teams by the MHA demonstrates a proactive approach to disaster management. By immediately assessing the damage, the government not only shows its commitment to disaster-affected states but also ensures that necessary relief reaches those in need swiftly. This approach aligns with the government's broader strategy to enhance resilience against natural calamities.
NationPress
31/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Inter-Ministerial Central Teams?
Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) are groups established by the Ministry of Home Affairs to assess damage and coordinate relief efforts in disaster-affected areas.
Which states are affected by the recent disasters?
The affected states include Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the role of the Central government in disaster relief?
The Central government coordinates with state governments to provide financial assistance and logistical support for disaster relief efforts.
How much financial aid has been released for disaster relief?
In the financial year 2025-26, the Central government has allocated over Rs 10,498.80 crore to support relief efforts across various states.
Who leads the Inter-Ministerial Central Teams?
The teams are led by senior officers at the level of Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Home Affairs or the National Disaster Management Authority.
