CM Omar Visits Flood-Hit Rajouri, Reviews Relief and Rehabilitation

Jammu, Aug 6: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday visited flood-affected areas of Rajouri district to assess damage caused by last month’s heavy rains and review ongoing relief and rehabilitation measures.

During the visit, Abdullah toured several affected localities, including Bela Colony and the bus stand area, considered among the worst-hit parts of the district. Accompanied by local legislators and senior civil and police officers, he interacted with residents and took stock of the damage.

Residents urged the Chief Minister to sanction a strong concrete embankment in the Bela Colony area to protect residential areas from future floods. They also raised demands concerning restoration and rehabilitation.

Congress MLA from Rajouri Iftikhar Ahmed, who accompanied Abdullah, sought immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for affected families. He also urged the government to release funds for the long-pending Mini Secretariat project in Rajouri, citing safety concerns over the existing district administrative complex.

Before the visit, Abdullah said he would assess the damage, meet affected families and review relief efforts with the district administration to ensure timely assistance.

The Chief Minister’s visit came a day after he toured flood- and landslide-hit areas of neighbouring Poonch district, where 16 people were killed and six remained missing following the recent rain fury.

Heavy rains last month triggered flash floods and landslides across parts of the Jammu region. Rajouri reported 26 deaths and five missing persons, while Poonch recorded 16 fatalities. (Agencies)