Flood Fury: JCCI asks insurance companies to compensate losses

Jammu, Aug 28: Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) Thursday urged the government to direct the insurance companies to assess the losses of damaged vehicles, residential property including electronics devices etc of the recent natural calamities-affected persons and clear their claims on fast-track system.

Plea was made by JCCI president Arun Gupta while addressing a press conference here in Jammu.

Gupta, on behalf of entire Chamber, expressed shock and deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives caused by the unfortunate cloudbursts at Chisoti in Kishtwar, Doda, Kathua and landslides at Mata Vaishno Devi as well as devastating flash floods across several parts of Jammu region.

He offered condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery of the injured persons.

Chamber said the sudden rise in water level of the Jammu Tawi river resulted in unprecedented destruction, damaging bridges including the fourth bridge on river Tawi; washing away of several key roads and leaving several families homeless as their houses and belongings were washed away especially in the areas of Peerkoo, Gujjar Nagar, Gorkha Nagar, Jeevan Nagar, Krishna Nagar, Old University Lane, Hari Singh Park Area, Talab Tillo, Bhagwati Nagar, Rajinder Nagar, Udeyawala, Muthi, Roop Nagar, Nanak Nagar, Greater Kailash, Bathindi, R S Pura besides other areas.

“Many families were in distress as flood water entered their homes, devastating entire households and causing irreparable loss of property. Everything has been reduced to rubble, with the affected people struggling to cope with the tragedy,” Gupta stated.

He said that several vehicles were also damaged in this devastating tragedy and urged the government to direct the insurance companies to assess the losses and clear claims on the fast-track system.

“In this hour of grief, the Chamber stands in solidarity with the families which have suffered due to this disaster. We urge all sections of society, NGOs, and social organizations to extend their helping hand and support the affected families in every possible way. Special measures must be taken to ensure temporary shelter, food supplies and medical aid for those affected,” JCCI president urged.

The Chamber appreciated the swift and compassionate response of the Chief Minister and the Lieutenant Governor for giving directions to the local administration and the concerned Deputy Commissioners to conduct on ground assessment and provide maximum help and logistic aid to strengthen the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction measures.

Arun Gupta said that though the administration was doing well but still much more was needed to be done to overcome this situation.