Now, JK seeks outside help to pump out flood water
Several Srinagar areas remain inundated for 18th straight day
The situation in the flooded summer capital areas continued to remain grim for the 18th consecutive day Wednesday, with the government failing to undertake the dewatering operations there. Consequently, thousands of people remained out of their homes. The government has now sought help from outside states to dewater the inundated areas “quickly.”
The areas that continued to remain submerged include Jawahar Nagar, Raj Bagh, Kursoo, Padshai Bagh, Mehjoor Nagar, Bemina, Qamarwari and Barthana. Thousands of houses in these areas are still submerged under one to two feet of water, forcing more than 1.5 lakh people to stay out.
Talking to us, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Shah said that 200 pumps are being used to dewater flood-hit areas of Srinagar. “Besides, 30 fire-tenders have also been pressed into service,” he said, adding, “Cuts made by the Flood Control department have eased the situation in some areas.”
He said the government has sought help from the neighboring states to speed up the process.
“The Chief Minister has requested Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh to provide their de-watering pumps so that water is drained out from inundated localities as quickly as possible,” he said.
POOR HEALTHCARE
Meanwhile, since September 7, when the floods hit Kashmir, the entire health system in the Valley is in disarray.
Lal Ded hospital, the lone maternity facility in Kashmir, is shut for the past 17 days, triggering a crisis-like situation. “We will start the OPD service from tomorrow,” Medical Superintendent LD Hospital, Dr Mushtaq told Greater Kashmir.
Besides, the SMHS hospital, visited by thousands of patients daily, is yet to become fully functional. The institution is running OPD facilities from its annexe.
On Tuesday, the Centre had assured the State government of all help in restoring the medical care facilities.
“The Union Health Minister assured all possible help and assistance to the J&K Government in restoring medical facilities in Kashmir Valley,” an official spokesman said yesterday.
So far the death toll due to the floods that hit the Valley earlier this month has gone up to 81 as on September 23, according to police.
Meanwhile, mobile phone connectivity in several Srinagar areas continued to remain affected.
