Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and National Conference Member of Parliament Mian Altaf narrowly escaped natural hazards on Wednesday while en route to flood-affected districts of Rajouri and Poonch. The incidents underscore the perilous conditions faced by officials attempting to assess and address the aftermath of recent flashfloods and landslides that have devastated the region, claiming numerous lives and causing extensive damage to infrastructure and private property.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary’s convoy experienced a tense moment when it encountered a barrage of shooting stones near Chingus in Rajouri. The security detail promptly halted the cavalcade upon detecting the falling debris from an adjacent hillside, ensuring the safety of the Deputy Chief Minister and his entourage. The procession was only able to resume its journey after the stonefall ceased and the area was deemed safe for passage. Choudhary was traveling to Rajouri to take stock of the flood-related losses and oversee relief efforts.
In a separate incident, Mian Altaf, the Member of Parliament representing the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, had a close call when his sport utility vehicle became mired in mud and debris following a landslide in the Madana area of Surankote, Poonch. After an unsuccessful attempt to free the vehicle, Mian Altaf disembarked and proceeded on foot. Authorities initiated immediate road clearance operations, which eventually allowed the vehicle to navigate the affected stretch and continue its journey. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the MP was on his way to visit the flood-affected areas to personally assess the damage and meet with affected families.
Mian Altaf proceeded to visit the tragedy-stricken areas of Poonch, where he engaged with the families of victims. His itinerary included a visit to Mandi, a locality in Poonch where eight members of a single family perished in the recent deluges. Earlier, seven individuals from the nomadic community lost their lives when a landslide struck their temporary shelters in the early hours of Monday. The MP also extended his visit to affected areas within the Rajouri district, which has also suffered significant damage to life and property due to flashfloods.
The recent spate of flashfloods and landslides in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch has resulted in a grim toll, with at least 24 confirmed fatalities and a number of individuals still reported missing. The widespread destruction has impacted both public infrastructure and private dwellings, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The scale of the disaster has prompted calls for urgent and comprehensive relief and rehabilitation measures.
Following his assessment of the rain-affected areas, MP Mian Altaf expressed his view that the region should be officially declared a calamity-prone zone, citing the immense devastation witnessed. He highlighted the destruction of homes, loss of lives, missing persons, and damage to agricultural land as evidence of the severe impact. Altaf also advocated for the provision of a special package to support the affected populations. He further stated that he would be raising the issue of adequate compensation for the affected families with the central government, indicating a commitment to securing necessary aid and resources for the recovery efforts.
The incidents involving the Deputy Chief Minister and the Member of Parliament serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather events in the region. The government’s efforts to provide relief and support to the affected communities are being conducted under difficult and often dangerous conditions, highlighting the resilience and dedication of those involved in rescue and rehabilitation operations. The calls for increased aid and the declaration of calamity-prone status underscore the long-term implications of such natural disasters and the need for robust disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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