Over seven lakh affected in Kashmir floods: NGO

Over seven lakh people have been affected by the incessant rains and floods in Jammu and Kashmir while 160 people have died, NGO Action Aid India said Tuesday.

"The latest information says over seven lakh people are affected and 160 lives have been lost. Sources tell that there has been extensive damage to land, livestock and houses in over 2,000 villages," the NGO said in a release.

The situation has worsened in Srinagar with the Jhelum river breaching two embankments and flooding 80 percent of the area, it said.

The NGO said local groups and volunteers have informed it about urgent need for basic food items, tents and first aid kits to help the flood-hit.

"Action Aid India is coordinating with the government, the resident commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir based in Delhi and government bodies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) besides civil society organisations and local partner organisations in the flood-affected regions," the release said.

Sehjo Singh, director (programme and policy) at Action Aid India, said: "It is important to reach out to women, girls and children who are most vulnerable. Most of the survivors are on the road without any tent or cover. With chilly nights, our efforts are to reach to them."

"Local groups have informed that the rubber tubes in boats have suffered wear and tear, forcing the rescue teams to reduce the number of people they can accommodate per boat. This is affecting rescue. We hope more boats arrive on time," she added.