The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Sunday appealed to residents to stay away from the banks of the Chenab River in Ramban district after the opening of the gates of the Baglihar Hydroelectric Power Project Dam caused a rise in the river’s water level.
In an advisory, Ramban Police urged people not to venture near the river and to strictly follow safety instructions issued by the authorities.
The advisory came as heavy rainfall continued to batter parts of Jammu and Kashmir, triggering flash floods, landslides and widespread disruption.
Rescue teams comprising the Army, Jammu and Kashmir Police and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) continued search operations on Sunday for those reported missing.
“Regarding the calamity and storm that struck the entire district, including Surankote, Rajouri, and the state, we have confirmed seven deaths in Surankote so far. There are several people still reported missing; we are yet to ascertain the exact number. Rescue operations are currently underway near the stream,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting at the Civil Secretariat in Jammu to review the situation arising from incessant rainfall, flash floods and landslides in Poonch and Rajouri districts, and to assess the administration’s preparedness across the Union Territory.
The meeting reviewed the prevailing weather conditions, the impact of heavy rainfall and measures being taken by various departments to ensure public safety, restore essential services and provide relief to affected families.
Emphasising the need for coordinated action, Abdullah directed all district administrations to keep control rooms operational round the clock, maintain constant vigilance and ensure timely dissemination of information for an effective emergency response.
“Coordination cannot be emphasised enough,” the Chief Minister said.
(With ANI inputs)
