Farooq Abdullah Calls for Relocation of Families Affected by Ramban Flash Floods
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Synopsis
Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has requested the relocation of families impacted by devastating flash floods in Ramban district, urging the Centre for immediate assistance. He described the floods as a national disaster and emphasized the need for improved infrastructure and water management to prevent future calamities.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Farooq Abdullah calls for relocation of flood-affected families.
- Describes Ramban floods as a national disaster.
- Appeals for immediate assistance from the Central Government.
- Highlights damage to the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
- Emphasizes need for better water management systems.
Jammu, April 21 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and leader of the ruling National Conference (NC) Dr. Farooq Abdullah has urged for the relocation and rehabilitation of families impacted by the recent flash floods in Ramban district.
Describing the floods as ‘a national disaster’, Dr. Abdullah appealed to the Central Government for immediate support for those affected.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, severely affected by landslides, has been closed for the second day, with an official from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) indicating that clearing operations at 20 sites may take around six days.
Countless vehicles remain stranded on this crucial nearly 300-kilometre highway due to heavy rainfall and cloudbursts that triggered extensive flash floods and landslides in the area.
Tragically, three individuals, including two minors, lost their lives, while over 100 others were rescued as the floods wreaked havoc on infrastructure, comprising roads and residential structures.
Many vehicles were also buried under the rubble.
"This is an enormous catastrophe. It is genuinely a national disaster. Whole villages have suffered. Three lives have been lost, and we remain unaware of the full scope of the destruction. I trust that the Government of India and the Prime Minister will extend maximum support to these individuals,” Abdullah conveyed to the media during a function.
The former chief minister reported another cloudburst at a different site, resulting in two additional fatalities.
"These are significant natural disasters. We must respond swiftly and implement measures to prevent future occurrences,” he stated.
Emphasizing the need for improved water management systems, Abdullah insisted on the urgent repair of canals to guarantee effective water flow and minimize the risk of such disasters.
"We must repair the canals to ensure water flows directly instead of spreading out. The entire mountain has given way. People can no longer reside there; they need to be relocated to safer areas. It is imperative that both the central and state governments act now to save lives,” he urged.
Abdullah pointed out the vulnerable state of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only vital supply route to the isolated Valley.
"It has suffered significant damage. If the train service had been operational, people could have utilized it for safety. Unfortunately, the adverse weather even prevented the Prime Minister from attending its inauguration,” he noted.
Highlighting the critical need for alternative routes, Abdullah remarked, "The pressure on the Mughal Road has intensified, and people are being halted at Sundarbani (Rajouri) and released in phases. We have only one road, which has turned into a path of devastation."
The Mughal Road links the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch in the Jammu region to the Valley.
He advocated for the construction of more tunnels to avert disasters, stating, "A tunnel on the Mughal Road is also essential,” he said.
