: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today carried out an extensive visit to the flood-affected areas of Srinagar & Budgam districts, reaching interior localities by boat to take stock of the situation following breach in embankment of River Jhelum at Shalina near Lasjan.

The Chief Minister visited Taingan Lasjan and Shalina areas, where he made a first-hand assessment of the situation. Braving the floodwaters, he reached the submerged interiors by boat. He also interacted with affected residents, and assured them that the Government would extend all possible help and support.

“The immediate priority of the administration is to rescue people from inundated areas, evacuate them to safer locations, and provide instant relief,” he said.

He directed the administration to ensure smooth and safe evacuation of families from waterlogged localities and instructed that temporary shelters be established, adequately equipped with safe drinking water, food, and medical facilities.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and MLAs from Chadoora, Chanapora and Lal Chowk constituencies accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit. Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Budgam, Director Health Services Kashmir, Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Kashmir, along with other senior officers, were also present.

The Chief Minister urged residents of adjoining areas to strictly follow advisories issued by the administration and to extend full cooperation to the authorities engaged in rescue and relief operations.

Speaking to the people at the site, Omar Abdullah said: “The apprehension we had yesterday, owing to the continuous rains and the rising water levels of the Jhelum, unfortunately came true and caused flooding in several areas. First and foremost, we are deeply thankful to Almighty Allah that timely evacuation was carried out and, most importantly, there has been no loss of human life.”

Acknowledging the scale of damages, the Chief Minister said there had been considerable financial and property loss. “This cannot be denied. We have to take appropriate decisions in this regard. A team from the Central Government has already been deputed to assess damages in ten districts of Jammu. I will be requesting the Hon’ble Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, to depute the same team to Kashmir as well, so that the damages in Kulgam, Anantnag, Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Bandipora, and other affected areas can be properly assessed.”

“It is our responsibility to evaluate the extent of losses in every flood-hit area and to ensure that necessary relief and rehabilitation measures are taken for our people,” he added.

He gave directions to provide potable drinking water to the affected families and additional boats to evacuate the cattle stranded in marooned cattle sheds.