Flood losses in Kashmir put at Rs 359 crore

Srinagar, Sep 10 (UNI) The Kashmir valley suffered losses of Rs 359 crore in the recent floods which also destroyed paddy, fruits and other crops spread over 54,504 hectares of land in 444 villages.

This was apprised to a nine-member central team, headed by Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Mitali Sen Gavai, which arrived here yesterday to assess the damages caused by the floods.

Giving details of the losses, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Basharat Ahmed Dhar said different crops spread over 54,504 hectares of land in 444 villages have been completely destroyed.

He said the flood losses have been put at Rs 359 crore. While 82 buildings were damaged, 1,08,178 families comprising 6,21,458 members had been affected due to floods, Mr Dhar added.

Besides 589 water supply schemes and 531 culverts have also been damaged. Mr Dhar further said that during the floods, 400 boats and many trucks were pressed into service for the affected people.

He said about 148 medical teams had been deployed, 81 water tankers pressed into service, 11.5 lakh sand bags provided, 9000 people evacuated from marooned areas, 13 relief camps established, 12,485 people shifted to relief camps.

Six deaths were reported and 15 people suffered injuries in different areas of the Kashmir valley due to flash floods, the Divisional Commissioner added.

The central team was deputed here on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's directions to assess the flood damages after Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad had requested him during a telephonic conversation.

UNI AG KR HT1337