Jammu & Kashmir’s sorrow overflows; death toll crosses 200

What is the latest happening in the Valley?
The water levels have started receding but peculiar to most parts of the Valley there is no outlet for the surging waters. The army has redoubled its effort though there has been reports of stone pelting by people who have waited for relief work to reach their areas.

What are the latest figures?
The catastrophic floods in Kashmir that has resulted in the death of more than 200 people, including a lot of old people who drowned in their homes. Thousands are missing and about 60,000 people have been rescued.

Is the army doing a good job?
By all reports. Yes. It is a difficult terrain to operate. Army Cheetah helicopters are doing 120 sorties every day to pull out marooned people and take them to the Badamibagh Cantonment or other safe areas. The Indian Air Force, along with the National Disaster Response Force and the Indian Navy are engaged in the mammoth rescue effort.

Could the deluge have been prevented?
Yes. The state does not have the wherewithal to face such a tragedy. No preventive measures were taken despite warnings. A report prepared by the state's flood control department under then minister Taj Mohudin predicted that in the next five years Srinagar city could see a major deluge. It said the government has no mechanism to save human lives and property. The report predicted a discharge of 150,000 cusecs of water from river Jhelum, which would drown Srinagar city.

What did the report say?
"Most parts of the valley from Khannabal (Anantnag, South Kashmir) up to Khadinyar (Baramulla in North Kashmir) are likely to be hit by the looming flood. The Srinagar-Jammu highway may be washed away, leaving the Valley cut-off from the rest of the country," the report said.

What has the army managed so far?
The Army is pulling out all stops to rescue people stranded inside their houses though the flood level has begun to decline. More than 20,000 army personnel have been, deployed along with 80 medical teams. So far 9,500 people have been rescued from Srinagar and 2,000 people have been provided shelter in the the Badamibagh Contonment. At least 355 people requiring immediate medical attention have been evacuated by army helicopters.