Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday and inquired about the flood situation in the state. The Centre has pledged all support to the government to overcome the crisis.
Abdullah said that efforts are being made to restore the mobile phone network in affected areas. "Just spoke to the Union Home Minister @AmitShah ji on the phone to brief him about the situation in J&K, especially Jammu province, where heavy & continuous rains have caused a lot of damage and disruption to normal life," Abdullah said in a post on X.
Abdullah, who was planning to travel to Jammu today, had to postpone his trip as the airport was closed owing to inclement weather. "I’m closely monitoring the situation & in touch with the teams on the ground in the division," the chief minister said.
The death toll in rain-related incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has increased to 10, and over a dozen people have suffered injuries. Incessant rainfall during the past few days has led to landslides and floods in Jammu.
The Indian Meteorological Department predicted extremely heavy rains over Jammu in 24 hours and issued a red alert for the state. IMD has forecast heavy rains in isolated places in the state during the next five days.
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Meanwhile, at least five people died in a landslide at Adhkwari, en route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on Tuesday. Fourteen people suffered injuries. The state government has suspended the yatra. The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has set up a help desk to assist pilgrims. "A dedicated Helpline Desk has been established at E&R Niharika. May contact for the updates. Call/WhatsApp: 9906019460/9906019446," the Board said.
The state government has also announced a holiday for schools in Jammu and Kashmir on August 27 owing to severe rains.