SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) Provincial President for Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta on Tuesday urged the Central Government to declare the recent flash floods and landslides in Rajouri and Poonch districts a national disaster and announce a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation package for the affected families.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the heavy rains, Gupta said the scale of devastation in the twin border districts warranted immediate intervention by the Centre. He also called for a high-level central team to visit the affected areas and assess the damage to human lives, homes and public infrastructure.
Referring to the recent disaster, Gupta said at least 23 people have reportedly lost their lives while several others remain missing after torrential rains triggered flash floods and landslides across Rajouri and Poonch. He said rescue operations involving multiple agencies were continuing despite the enormous challenges posed by the extent of destruction.
He said overflowing rivers breached their banks within minutes, inundating residential areas and markets. Gupta claimed the Rajouri New Bus Stand suffered extensive damage, dozens of vehicles were washed away by floodwaters, and many others remained submerged. He also referred to the recovery of a missing woman’s body as a reminder of the human tragedy unfolding in the region.
According to Gupta, major rivers, including the Darhali, Khandli, Suktoh and Jamola, crossed the danger mark, turning roads into torrents and forcing hundreds of families to flee their homes.
Describing the situation as a humanitarian crisis, the NC leader urged the Union Government to announce a special financial package for Rajouri and Poonch, provide adequate compensation to the families of those killed, extend financial assistance for rebuilding damaged houses 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,” Gupta said.
Gupta also praised the Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kashmir government for its response to the crisis, saying the administration acted swiftly by mobilising rescue teams, senior officials and relief machinery to the affected areas. He appreciated the Chief Minister’s continuous monitoring of the situation and the deployment of two Cabinet ministers to oversee relief operations in Rajouri and Poonch.
While commending the government’s rescue and relief efforts, Gupta maintained that the magnitude of the disaster exceeded the Union Territory’s resources and reiterated his demand for immediate Central assistance through the declaration of the flood calamity as a national disaster along with a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the affected families.
