New Delhi, 19 July (H.S.): Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah on Sunday held separate conversations with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah over the situation arising due to heavy rainfall in the Union Territory. He reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations and assured that the Centre would provide all possible assistance.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Amit Shah took detailed updates from both leaders regarding the prevailing situation in the affected areas, ongoing relief and rescue efforts, and the preparedness of the administration. He said ensuring the safety of people affected by the natural disaster and carrying out relief operations remain the top priorities of the central government, and all necessary assistance would be provided immediately as required.

Heavy rainfall in the Poonch and Rajouri districts of Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday morning triggered flash floods and landslides at several locations, causing loss of life and property. So far, the bodies of eight people have been recovered, while search and rescue operations are continuing to trace several others.

The administration, police, disaster management teams and other agencies are engaged in relief and rescue operations on a war footing in the affected areas. Movement has also been disrupted at several places due to damaged roads and debris caused by landslides. Efforts are underway to shift affected residents to safer locations and provide them with essential relief supplies.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall in Poonch, Rajouri and adjoining areas over the coming period. The department has advised people to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from rivers, streams and landslide-prone areas, and follow advisories issued by the local administration.

The central government and the Jammu and Kashmir administration are closely monitoring the situation and have issued directions to further intensify relief and rescue operations in the affected regions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar