Kathua: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas in Kathua district to assess the extent of damage caused by incessant rains and overflowing rivers. The Chief Minister was accompanied by senior officials of the administration during the aerial inspection, which covered several submerged villages and farmlands.
The floods have inflicted heavy losses in Kathua, with vast agricultural land, standing crops, and residential structures coming under water. Locals said many families were forced to leave their homes and take shelter in higher areas, while cattle and other livestock were swept away by gushing waters. “The damage is widespread. Our fields are gone and many of us have lost our houses,” said Abdul Majid, a local farmer from Hiranagar.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that emergency relief measures have already been initiated.
After the aerial survey, Omar Abdullah interacted with the affected families and hold a meeting with the officials of district administration at Duggain, Billawar.
Omar Abdullah emphasized that relief material including ration, drinking water, medicines, and temporary shelter must reach every family in need without delay. He directed the health department to deploy medical teams in flood-hit villages to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases. “We must be on the ground and with the people in this hour of distress. No family should feel abandoned,” the Chief Minister said.
The Chief Minister expressed solidarity with the affected families and assured that adequate compensation will be provided to those who suffered losses. “The government stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Kathua. We will do everything possible to restore normal life and provide relief to all victims of this natural calamity,” he said. [KNT]
