Jammu/Srinagar, September 12
Amid fears of an epidemic outbreak in flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir, rescue teams today expedited efforts to reach out to tens of thousands of people stranded in the Valley and other areas of the state. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced a relief package of Rs 200 crore for flood victims, who are facing shortage of relief material, medicines and other essential items.

Armed forces, comprising 30,000 troops, and NDRF teams have so far rescued 1.27 lakh people from different parts of the state. Around 3,500 civilians were rescued from the submerged Srinagar district today.

The death toll in the worst-ever floods to hit the state in 109 years has already crossed the 300 mark. This may go up further as locals and rescue agencies have witnessed bodies floating in floodwaters in some areas. The bodies of two soldiers, who fell into raging waters after a rescue boat capsized in Pulwama on September 4, were recovered today, said the Army.

In North Kashmir, the authorities were keeping tabs on the swollen Wular Lake where the water level had reached 53.3 ft yesterday. Though the water level came down by a foot today, the raging Jhelum that flows into Wular before entering Pakistan, is a cause for concern.

The water level of Jhelum in Baramulla was 19.3 ft today, well above the danger mark of 14.8 ft.

According to experts, the river, which has already wreaked havoc in South and Central Kashmir, may breach its banks. “The Baramulla Deputy Commissioner has already asked people in the low-lying areas to move to safer grounds,” said a senior Army officer of the 15 Corps.

Under the relief package unveiled by the state government, free ration will be supplied to the flood-affected families for six months.

Of the Rs 200 crore assistance, the Chief Minister said Rs 100 crore each will be given to the two provinces — Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar said an ex-gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh will be given to the kin of those killed in the floods. He also announced an aid of Rs 75,000 (as initial instalment) for rebuilding of homes that were destroyed in the floods. The ex-gratia for the kin of the deceased will include Rs 2 lakh announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier.

Omar said about 137 relief camps had been set up in the Valley where over one lakh people were being attended to. The Chief Minister said he has called an all-party meeting tomorrow to discuss the situation in the state. "We will seek suggestions from other parties to improve relief and rescue operations," he said.

The Union Health Ministry has dispatched over 1,000 tonnes of medicines, water-purifying plants and teams of doctors and experts to Jammu & Kashmir.

A total of 89 transport aircraft and helicopters of the IAF and the Army Aviation Corps have been pressed into service. So far, 1,526 sorties have been undertaken by these aircraft and 2,059 tonnes of relief material has been air-dropped, said a defence spokesperson.

A third batch of Marine Commandoes with rubberised inflatable craft, out-board motors (OBMs), compressors, diving sets and satellite phones arrived at Srinagar yesterday to support the rescue operations, the spokesman said.

To restore the road connectivity, five task forces of the Border Roads Organisation, which includes 5,700 personnel, have been pressed into service.

• Rs 100 crore each to be given to the two provinces --- Jammu and Kashmir. Kin of those dead will get an ex gratia of Rs 3.5 lakh. Free ration will be given to affected families for six months
• Around 3,500 civilians were evacuated from Srinagar on Friday as rescue agencies stepped up operations
• The water level of the Jhelum in Baramulla was 19.3 ft, well above the danger mark of 14.8 ft. The river may breach its banks, say experts.