Kharge urges Union Govt to aid J&K flood relief efforts

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives due to the floods in Jammu and Kashmir and urged the Central Government to provide all assistance to the Union Territory to ensure swift rescue and relief to affected families.

He also demanded compensation for the families of victims from the PM CARES Fund.

“I am deeply distressed by the tragic loss of lives and the devastation caused by the flash floods and incessant rains in the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Poonch and Rajouri. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and the safety of all those affected,” Kharge said in a post on X.

“I urge the Union Government, the LG office to provide all required assistance to the State Government and work in close coordination to ensure swift rescue, relief and rehabilitation for every affected family,” he said.

Kharge also appealed to all Congress leaders and workers to extend every possible help to the affected people during this difficult time.

“The families of the deceased should be provided adequate compensation without delay, through the PM CARES Fund,” he said.

At least 11 people were killed, and seven others went missing as torrential rains triggered landslides and flash floods in the twin border districts of Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, prompting a multi-agency rescue operation.

The worst devastation was reported from Surankote tehsil in Poonch district, where most of the fatalities occurred, while rescue teams raced against time to trace the missing amid continuing rain and damaged roads, officials said.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was in Delhi for the proposed statehood protest, decided to cut short his stay in the national capital and return to Jammu in the afternoon in view of the worsening situation across parts of the division following heavy rains.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the situation in the rain- and flash flood-hit districts and directed officials to ensure immediate relief and assistance to the affected families.