J&K floods: Massive rescue operation on, many areas under 6 feet of water, communication down

Srinagar: Massive rescue operations by the Army and Indian Air Force continue in Jammu and Kashmir where floods have left over 150 people dead and lakhs affected. Seven more IAF aircraft have been pressed into action as the situation is still worrisome.

Many locals are still stranded on rooftops in Jammu as water level in some areas is as high as 6 to 7 feet. The Army said that while water levels have receded in South Kashmir, water current has risen River Jhelum.

"The entire focus is on rescue in Srinagar. Through the day yesterday and last night intense rescue operations were on. The worst affected areas are Bakshinagar and Rajnagar," said Lt General Subrata Saha, GoC 15 Corps.

"Here the roofs are slanting, all evacuations are slow and deliberate. The water levels at some places is 6 to 7 ft," Lt Gen Saha said.

He said that while the forces were facing problems in carrying out rescue operations in the first three days, work is now on in full swing. "During the first three days, it was not possible to carry out any air operations. We have started air operations now. Half of the Army cantonment area is also under water and some internal rescue operations are also on, but that does not deter our job. Rescue operation is in full swing," he said.

Communication lines are down in many areas and power cuts are also being seen in many parts of the valley. All communication lines including BSNL, Radio Kashmir are down.

Meanwhile, pilgrims who were headed to the Vaishno Devi shrine were stranded after the Katra-bound Shri Shakti Express train was stuck in the Udhampur district. There are nearly 500 pilgrims, who left from Delhi, on the train. The Railways is hopeful of restoring rail traffic between Jammu-Udhampur-Katra by Tuesday, say sources.

Helpline numbers:

Flood Control Room No -

New Delhi J&K House (011)-24611210 and 24611108

Srinagar-0194-2452138

Jammu-0191-2560401

Home Ministry Helpline: 011-23093054, 23092763, 23093564, 23092923, 23092885, 23093566, 23093563