Shopian, Jul 22 (KNO): Health and Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Wednesday said the government is fully prepared to deal with any flood-like situation, asserting that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to tackle any eventuality.
Speaking to reporters during her visit to Kulgam, Shopian and other south Kashmir districts, the minister, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that while the ongoing spell of heavy rainfall has claimed several lives in the Pir Panjal region, the overall situation in south Kashmir remains under control.
"Due to heavy rainfall over the past few days, we have unfortunately lost many precious lives in the Pir Panjal region. However, the situation in south Kashmir is comparatively better at present. We are hopeful that the rains will subside today and normalcy will gradually return," she said.
Itoo said the government, under the directions of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has maintained constant vigil over the evolving weather situation and all concerned departments have been directed to remain alert.
She said adequate stocks of medicines, food and other essential supplies have already been kept ready to meet any emergency. "Electricity supply is functioning normally in almost all areas. Although a few drinking water supply schemes have been affected due to the prevailing weather conditions, the concerned departments are working on restoring them. Meanwhile, water tanker services have been deployed to ensure that people do not face hardships," she said.
Appealing to the public to remain calm, the minister urged people not to panic and instead cooperate with the administration so that emergency response teams can function effectively whenever required.
Referring to the devastating flood-like situation witnessed in August last year, Itoo said almost all restoration and preventive works undertaken on rivers, streams and other vulnerable water bodies have been completed, while the remaining works are being taken up on priority to further strengthen flood mitigation measures.
During her visit to south Kashmir districts, the minister reviewed the availability of emergency response systems, healthcare facilities, rescue equipment, essential medicines, communication networks and other critical resources required for effective disaster management.
She directed all departments to remain on high alert and ensure seamless coordination to provide a swift and efficient response in case of any emergency. Itoo also instructed officials to keep rescue teams, medical personnel and essential supplies in complete readiness to safeguard lives and property.
Stressing that public safety remains the government's foremost priority, the minister asked officers to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of vulnerable areas, strengthen communication systems and take all preventive measures to minimise the impact of any possible flooding.
Sakeena Itoo further directed the district administration to intensify public awareness regarding safety protocols and ensure that all emergency control rooms remain fully functional so that immediate assistance can be provided to the public whenever required—(KNO)