Herculean effort by army, air force containing losses in Kashmir

Herculean efforts by the army and the air force, which often have gone beyond the call of duty, have helped to contain the loss of both life and property in flash flood and landslide-hit areas of Kashmir.

Despite heavy losses suffered by the army itself, over 23,000 people have been rescued, with 16 army relief camps providing shelter, food and medical care. Meanwhile, 65 medical teams and 50 engineering teams are working relentlessly to help those in need.

Hundreds of landslides have been cleared by the engineering corps, with water and electricity still being restored gradually. And this despite the Badami Bagh Cantt in Srinagar still being submerged and the army itself having suffered a lot of damage to property and infrastructure.

The army's Operation Megh Rahat was the first rescue operation to be launched, despite no orders having come through the civil administration.

Flash floods have thrown normal life out of gear in Jammu and Kashmir. People in the flood-affected areas of Poonch are being provided with healthcare and other relief materials by the Indian Air Force.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday for a first-hand assessment of the situation arising out of incessant rain and floods in the state, announced an extra Rs.1,000 crore on top of the earlier announced Rs.1,100 crores as special assistance for rehabilitation, while sharing the pain and anguish of the people of the state.

The Prime Minister also offered his help to Pakistan to assist in the relief work in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).