Nawaz Sharif thanks Narendra Modi for flood-help offer; Army evacuates 20,000 in Jammu & Kashmir
NEW DELHI: Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday for the latter's offer to help in Pakistan in flood relief operations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Sharif said such solidarity in the face of adversity is admirable.
On Sunday, Modi had offered help to Pakistan in rescue and relief operations in PoK, which has been reeling under the severe floods in the region.
Making the offer after undertaking a visit to flood-hit Jammu & Kashmir for a first-hand assessment of the situation, Modi expressed anguish at the loss caused in PoK.
"While reviewing the situation in Jammu & Kashmir, I was informed that the damage to life and property is equally, if not more, severe in areas across the line of control as well. My heart goes out to the affected people and my deepest sympathies are with them and their families. In this hour of need, I offer any assistance that you may need in the relief efforts that will be undertaken by the government of Pakistan. Our resources are at your disposal wherever you need them," said the PM's letter which was delivered by the Indian high commissioner in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi making an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas of Jammu & Kashmir on September 7, 2014. (PTI photo)
Army evacuates 20,000
Meanwhile, the flood situation in Jammu & Kashmir remained grim on Monday despite reports of water receding from some areas in the state.
Rescue missions are going on in full swing across the state with the Army, Air Force and Navy along with the NDRF engaged in rescue and relief operations.
An Indian Air force Mi-17 helicopter crew refer to a map before a relief sortie to flood-affected areas, at the air force base in Jammu on September 8, 2014. (AFP photo)
According to defence ministry statement, the Army has evacuated nearly 20,000 people hit by the floods from different regions the state.
Flood helpline numbers
The Army has deployed 205 columns for rescue and relief work and given away 4,000 blankets and 90 tents to victims of the worst floods to hit the state in half a century.
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"The Army also distributed 23,000 litres of water and 600kg biscuits in the flood-affected areas," the statement said.
It said 60 medical teams of the Armed Forces Medical Services had swung into action.
Navy's marine commandos rescued around 200 people at Haigaon on the Srinagar-Sopore highway. Naval diving teams are on standby in New Delhi, Mumbai and Vishakhapatnam to proceed to Jammu & Kashmir. A total of 45 aircraft and helicopters have been pressed into service.
A man takes a mobile photo of the flooded Jammu & Kashmir high court complex in the heart of Srinagar, on September 7, 2014. (PTI photo)
The ministry said 85 tonnes of medicines have been airlifted for the flood victims and 16 relief camps had been set up in the state.
The Indian Air Force has rescued 1,245 people using helicopters and transport aircraft. "So far 140 sorties were undertaken by the helicopters and aircraft and 155 tonnes of relief materials have been dropped."
Road, telecom network to be restored in J&K soon
The government has said restoration of road and telecommunication network in the Kashmir valley will take three to five days.
The Centre has directed free flow of transport via Manali and Leh to Srinagar, the only available surface network, a top central government official said in New Delhi on Monday.
The three highways connecting Kashmir with Jammu have been damaged badly and the Border Roads Organization has assessed the damage and conveyed that it will take at least five to seven days for their restoration, the official said. Works are going on war footing for restoration of BSNL telecommunication network which is expected to be normal in next three days.
Facing problems of connecting even top state government officials, the Centre has dispatched 15 high frequency wireless sets to Srinagar today and is expecting that the wireless service will be restored by Monday night.
