J-K floods: Social networking sites aid rescue, relief work

New Delhi, Sep 8: Hundreds of people have logged on to social networking sites likes Facebook and Twitter to share information on floods, which have created havoc in Jammu and Kashmir, and are even collecting aid for the victims.

People are sharing pictures and information of the affected areas and rescue and relief efforts being undertaken by the central and state authorities on these portals. The information related to floods is trending on twitter under #KashmirFloods.

"Please keep us updated abt the network status in Kashmir (sic)," said one of the users on Twitter.

Another user Ankur Raina tweeted "my parents are stuck in building near CRPF camp indira nagar. Unable 2 contact. Please help!".

Some people also appreciated the rescue and relief work being done by the Army.

"Well Done,Indian Army. 130 Army columns hav been deployed rescuing more than 14800 ppl so far," said Janak Dave.

BJP MP from Bihar's Patna Sahib constituency Shatrughan Sinha tweeted "Proud of our Indian Army for the rescue work without worrying about their own safety!!".

He also asked people to share control room numbers set up by the centre for assistance pertaining to the floods.

Anybody seeking assistance related to the flood crisis in J-K can also approach Home Ministry's control room in New Delhi at the telephone numbers: (011) 23093054, 23092763, 23093564, 23092923, 23092885, 23093566, 23093563.

While on facebook, people are seeking information from fellow citizens in other districts of the state. "Someone from Rajbagh plz try to contact," said a post on Facebook.

"My father is in Karanpura,Srinagar.... how to contact wid my dad :'( :'(," said Priti Das on facebook. People have also opened an online forum 'Volunteers for flood victims in J&K' to donate money, clothes, blankets or other essential commodities.

"People at lala rukh hotel, near gantaghr, lal chowk, srinagar trapped in 2nd storey. if somebody could help.... Its urgent pls pls," said the Facebook post by an user.

Floods in Kashmir have left 150 dead and caused huge damage to road, rail and other infrastructure.

The teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel have alone evacuated more than 5,246 people--5,223 from Kashmir region and 23 from Jammu.

PTI