Kharge Calls on Centre to Intensify Flood Relief Efforts in Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi, July 20: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday appealed to the Union Government to extend immediate and comprehensive assistance to flood affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir after torrential rains, flash floods and landslides claimed multiple lives in the Union Territory. He stressed the need for coordinated rescue operations, prompt rehabilitation measures and financial support for bereaved families.

Expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, Kharge said the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by continuous rainfall had left several communities facing immense hardship, particularly in the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri.

In a message shared on social media platform X, the Congress chief conveyed condolences to the families who lost their loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in the disaster.

Kharge urged the Union Government, the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and the Jammu and Kashmir government to work together to accelerate rescue efforts and provide relief to people stranded in affected regions. He said every displaced family should receive timely assistance, including food, shelter, healthcare and rehabilitation support.

The Congress president also appealed to party leaders and workers across the Union Territory to actively participate in relief operations and stand with residents facing the crisis.

Calling for financial relief, Kharge demanded that the families of those killed in the disaster be provided adequate compensation through the PM CARES Fund without unnecessary delays. He said the victims deserved immediate support to help them recover from the tragedy.

Meanwhile, relentless rainfall triggered widespread flooding and landslides across several parts of the Jammu division on Sunday, leaving at least 11 people dead while seven others remained missing, according to officials.

The worst impact was reported from Surankote tehsil in Poonch district, where flash floods swept through villages, damaging homes, roads and public infrastructure. Rescue teams continued search operations despite difficult weather conditions and disrupted connectivity caused by landslides.

Emergency response agencies, including local administration, police, disaster response personnel and volunteers, were deployed across vulnerable locations to evacuate stranded residents and restore access to isolated areas.

Authorities said heavy rainfall had washed away road stretches and blocked several routes, making rescue operations challenging. Machinery was pressed into service to clear debris while relief camps were prepared for displaced families.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who had travelled to New Delhi for the proposed campaign seeking restoration of statehood, decided to cut short his visit and return to Jammu after receiving updates on the deteriorating weather situation.

The Chief Minister is expected to review rescue operations, assess damage in the affected districts and coordinate with senior officials to ensure that emergency assistance reaches the worst-hit areas without delay.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also reviewed the flood situation and directed the administration to prioritise rescue, evacuation and relief measures. He instructed district authorities to provide immediate assistance, arrange temporary shelters where required and ensure uninterrupted medical services for affected residents.

Officials said disaster management teams remain on high alert as weather conditions continue to pose challenges in several districts. Continuous monitoring is underway, and people living near rivers, streams and landslide prone areas have been advised to remain cautious and follow official advisories.

The administration is assessing the full extent of damage to residential properties, agricultural land, roads and public infrastructure. Restoration work is expected to continue over the coming days as weather conditions improve.

Political leaders from across the country have expressed solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, while appeals have been made for coordinated relief efforts to help affected families rebuild their lives after one of the region’s most severe rain induced disasters in recent months.