Decrease in rainfall on Monday brings huge respite for flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir. According to Skymet Meteorology Division in India, sky will remain mainly clear today, though isolated light rainfall is expected in some parts but that will not hamper the ongoing rescue operations.
The situation had once again become grim in the state on 14th September, as rainfall lashed some parts of Jammu and Kashmir, bringing the relief operations to a standstill. However, the next few days will witness improved weather conditions, as rain is expected to cease from Tuesday onwards. The maximum temperature in the state has been hovering around a comfortable of 25°C for the last few days. Minimums too have been settling around 12°C.
Meanwhile, rescue operations in the state have been intensified, as the water level receded marginally. Hundreds of thousands of people are still stranded in the upper floors of their homes. Indian Army and NDRF officials were seen trawling through the water packed streets picking up residents and delivering food, water and basic medicine to the people. Several new pumps have been ordered by the state government to drain out the muddy water at the earliest.
Epidemic threat also looms large over the region. Fear of possible outbreak of water-borne diseases stands high due to the stagnated water. Lots of animals have died during the floods, which is the biggest source of infection. The state health department has asked the Centre for as many as 300 paramedic staff along with doctors to prevent any such grave situation.
At the moment people are stuck and are not able to seek any kind of medical assistance but once the water levels recede, the state will witness a medical emergency kind of situation. As a preventive measure, local authorities have proposed to mobilise boats to send medical supplies to people in inundated areas of Srinagar, especially medicines for people suffering from diabetes and hypertension.
The hilly state is reeling under the worst flood in the last century. Life is wrecked in Jammu and Kashmir as heavy rains last week had caused flash floods. River Jhelum is still flowing above danger mark in Srinagar, leaving situation grim in the valley. Heavy downpour that has washed away several villages and left numerous people homeless in J&K is likely to tone down as the weekend approaches.
