Will revisit lessons of 2014 to prevent flood threats in future: CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, Aug 28: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday acknowledged that Jammu and Kashmir came dangerously close to a flood situation after just two days of intense rainfall, and said his administration will revisit the lessons of 2014 to prevent such threats in future.

Talking to reporters in Srinagar, chief minister Omar Abdullah said, “In 2014, floods struck after six days of rain. This time, only two days were enough to push us towards a flood-like situation. With God’s grace, the water has now receded and the immediate danger is behind us.”

The CM said the government will soon undertake a detailed review of measures implemented after the 2014 deluge. “We need to study what improvements were made, what happened to the flood channels and Jhelum’s carrying capacity, and where the gaps remain. I will sit with officers to examine all this in the coming days,” he said.

He emphasised that errors must be corrected to ensure public safety. “We cannot allow people to live under this recurring threat every year. It’s time to rectify our mistakes,” Omar stated.

The remarks came after heavy rains and cloudbursts triggered widespread concern, pushing water levels in major rivers and streams above danger marks before easing off. (KNC)