Declare devastation caused by flash floods in Jammu region a national disaster: NC leader urges Centre
Jammu: National Conference’s Jammu provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta on Tuesday urged the Centre to declare the devastation caused by the flash floods in Rajouri and Poonch districts a national disaster and provide comprehensive compensation to all affected families.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction, Gupta said the unprecedented rains, flash floods and landslides have left Rajouri and Poonch districts and adjoining areas reeling under one of the worst natural calamities witnessed in recent years in Jammu and Kashmir.
“The scale of devastation warrants immediate national intervention,” he said and asked the Central government to depute a team of officers to assess the losses.
Since Sunday, rain-related incidents have claimed 23 lives and left seven people missing across Jammu region. Poonch was the worst-hit, recording 17 deaths and six missing persons, followed by Rajouri with three deaths and one missing, while Doda reported three deaths.
Describing the calamity as a “humanitarian crisis”, Gupta urged the Centre to announce a special relief package for the affected districts, provide adequate compensation to the families of those killed, extend financial assistance for rebuilding damaged homes and businesses, and expedite the restoration of essential infrastructure.
“The people of Rajouri and Poonch have suffered immense loss. This is not merely a regional disaster but a tragedy of national significance. The Government of India must declare it a national disaster and extend every possible support to help the affected people rebuild their lives,” he said.
The National Conference leader also lauded the Omar Abdullah-led J&K government for its prompt and compassionate response to the flood crisis, saying the administration acted swiftly by mobilising rescue teams, senior officials and relief machinery to the affected areas.
