Home Minister Amit Shah arrives in Jammu
Srinagar, Aug 31: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Jammu late Saturday night to take stock of the devastating flood situation across various districts of Jammu division that left over 170 dead. Shah landed at Jammu Airport at approximately 10 pm and immediately drove straight to the Raj Bhawan under heavy security arrangements.
His sudden visit comes amid growing concern over widespread destruction caused by incessant rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods in several parts of J&K, particularly in Jammu, Kishtwar, Ramban, and adjoining areas.
According to officials, Shah is scheduled to chair a high-level emergency meeting on Sunday morning at Raj Bhawan to assess the disaster response, ongoing rescue operations, and strategise further relief measures.
LG Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is currently in Jammu, are also likely to attend the meeting along with top officials from the Home Ministry, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Army, and the local administration.
The meeting will focus on several critical issues, including the restoration of road connectivity in remote areas, safety measures for the ongoing Amarnath and Vaishno Devi yatras, and support for affected families.
All senior officers of the J&K government and central agencies have been directed to attend the meeting.
Following the review, Shah will travel to Katra, the base camp for the Vaishno Devi yatra, where recent landslides triggered by heavy rainfall caused several fatalities and injuries. He is likely to visit the Narayana Hospital to meet those injured in the landslide and express solidarity with the victims and their families. Over the past week, the Jammu region has witnessed an alarming spike in weather-related disasters.
Torrential rains triggered multiple cloudbursts in the hilly districts of Kishtwar and Ramban, causing landslides and flash floods that have washed away roads, homes, and bridges. Dozens of villages remain cut off due to road blockages and damaged infrastructure.
In Kishtwar, the worst-hit areas include Dachhan, Marwah, and Paddar, where several homes were swept away. According to preliminary reports, over 170 people have lost their lives, and over 30 are reported missing.
Rescue teams have been dispatched, but treacherous terrain and continuous rainfall have severely hampered operations. Ramban has also witnessed massive landslides along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, disrupting vehicular movement and supply chains.
Helicopters have been pressed into service for air-dropping food and essential supplies to isolated regions.
In the Jammu district, low-lying areas near the Tawi River are submerged due to water overflowing from catchment zones. Urban flooding in parts of the city has also created panic among residents.
A senior Home Ministry official said that Amit Shah’s visit is part of the central government’s efforts to provide immediate assistance and coordinate better relief mechanisms. He is expected to conduct an aerial survey of the worst-affected areas post the review meeting on Sunday.
The Union Minister is likely to announce interim relief packages and extend central support for rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts. Special teams from the NDRF, along with personnel from the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and the Army, are already on the ground, assisting the state administration.
CM Omar, who has also been touring flood-affected regions over the past two days, has urged people to remain indoors and cooperate with rescue teams. He thanked the Centre’s prompt response and welcomed Shah’s visit, saying, “This is a time to rise above politics and work together for the people of J&K.” The CM is also expected to brief Shah on region-specific challenges, particularly the fragile geography of Kishtwar and the need for long-term mitigation strategies, including early warning systems and slope stabilisation.
