The body of a woman, who was tragically swept away by floodwaters on October 11 in the outskirts of Jammu city, was recovered on Tuesday evening. The recovery followed an extensive three-day search operation conducted by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police personnel. The woman, identified as Ruksana Kouser, wife of Mohd Kaleem, was caught in a powerful current in the Bagani Talab-Flora nallah in the Chinore area of Jammu city after a period of heavy rainfall.
The challenging search operation, which spanned multiple flood-affected areas including Gumpul in Domana, finally concluded with the recovery of Kouser’s body from the flood channel. Deputy Superintendent of Police (SDRF), Albeena Malik, confirmed the recovery, stating that the operation faced significant difficulties due to the strong water currents and the rugged terrain. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the family members expressed their profound gratitude to the dedicated rescue teams for their persistent efforts in ensuring the recovery of their loved one’s remains. The coordinated efforts of the SDRF and NDRF were crucial in navigating the hazardous conditions.
SDRF Commandant Mohd Aslam visited the affected areas to personally assess the situation and review the progress of the ongoing search operation. He was accompanied by Subdivisional Police Officer (SDPO), Domana, Tahir Sheikh, Deputy Superintendent of Police (SDRF) Dinesh Gupta, and Deputy SP (Trainings), SDRF, Rohit Dev Singh. During their visit, the officers engaged with the personnel deployed on the ground, gaining firsthand insight into the operational challenges they were encountering. Commandant Aslam emphasized the importance of maintaining coordinated efforts and urged the teams to carry out the search operation with unwavering dedication and determination. The incident underscores the dangers posed by sudden floods in the region, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.
According to accounts provided by the family members, the unfortunate incident occurred when Ruksana Kouser and her husband, Mohd Kaleem, found themselves caught in the strong current while attempting to prevent their car from being swept away by the rising floodwaters. The couple’s vehicle had reportedly stalled, and Mohd Kaleem was in the process of attempting to reverse it to safety when the strong current overwhelmed them. The swiftness of the floodwaters, exacerbated by the heavy rainfall, left little time for escape, leading to the tragic event. The recovery of the body, after a prolonged and arduous search, brings a measure of closure to the grieving family, though the circumstances of the loss remain a stark reminder of nature’s unpredictable power. The rescue teams, despite facing adverse conditions, demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment throughout the multi-day operation, working tirelessly to locate the missing woman. The collaborative approach between different agencies, including the local police, SDRF, and NDRF, proved instrumental in the eventual success of the search and recovery effort.
The incident has prompted renewed discussions about disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in areas prone to flash floods. Officials involved in the rescue operation highlighted the need for enhanced early warning systems and public awareness campaigns to mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events. The terrain in the Chinore area, characterized by its nallahs and proximity to water bodies, makes it particularly vulnerable during monsoon seasons. The coordinated efforts of the SDRF and NDRF, along with the local administration, are vital in ensuring swift and effective responses to such emergencies. The dedication shown by the rescue personnel, who worked under difficult and potentially dangerous conditions, has been widely acknowledged. The family’s relief at the recovery of the body, while overshadowed by their profound grief, is a testament to the commitment of the search teams. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of heeding weather advisories and exercising extreme caution in flood-prone areas. The authorities are expected to review the incident to identify any potential improvements in disaster management protocols.
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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