J-K floods: 5,183 people rescued so far, says NDRF DG

Stating that rescue operations have been intensified in the flood- hit areas of Jammu and Kashmir as the situation continues to remain grim, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General O P Singh on Monday informed that so far 5,183 people have been rescued.

"The situation remains grim. So, we have intensified our rescue operations. We have divided the entire valley into three zones. Each zone is being headed by a commanding track officer and one DIG is supervising the entire operation," Singh told media here.

"We have divided these sectors depending on the kind of people that are trapped there. First sector is the Rajbagh General Area where 27 boats have been pressed. Another sector is Googji Bagh where 25 boats have been pressed," he added.

Singh further said, "The third sector relates to Badami Bagh which is very difficult to negotiate because there the water level is so high. It is about fifteen to twenty feet there and so we are seeking help from the Air Force to get us the aircrafts so that people can be air- lifted along with the boats. The operations will resume soon in this particular area."

The NDRF Director General further said the biggest challenge that is being faced is the lack of communication.

"We are not able to establish communication with the people struck there. So far, we have rescued 5183 people from the state.....," he said.

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 (IAF).

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 Rs 1,000 crore as special assistance for rehabilitation while sharing the pain and anguish of the people of the state.

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