Anantnag, July 08: Around 140 nomadic families along with their livestock were rescued on Saturday after flash floods wreaked havoc in various areas of Anantnag.
The sudden rise in water levels in Bringi, and Sandran Nallah triggered flash floods in Zadoora, Muniwar, Hanji Danter, Baagi Nowgam, Brinty Batapora, and Dehruna.
Tehsildar Headquarter Anantnag ,Umar Gulzar confirmed that around 140 nomadic families along with their livestock were successfully rescued by Police, Revenue officials and locals in Anantnag district on Saturday.
He said that 100 nomadic families were rescued from Zadoora Mirbazar, 7 families from Muniwar, 15 families from Hanji Danter and Bangi Nowgam, 4 families from Brinty Batapora, and an additional 4 families from Dehruna, along with their valuable sheep and goat flocks.
Station House Officer (SHO) of Mirbazar , Toser Ahmad Khan, spearheaded a daring rescue operation in Zaddora and later was accompanied by Revenue officials, Flood officials, SDRF teams ,successfully rescued 100 nomadic families stranded in the wake of destructive flash floods that ravaged Zadoora village of Anantnag.
The sudden rise in water levels at Sandran Nallah triggered flash floods in Zadoora area of Mirbazar.
Sensing the impending danger, SHO Mirbazar, Toser Ahmad Khan coordinated a swift and comprehensive rescue operation, ensuring the timely evacuation of the families.
While talking to Rising Kashmir SHO Mirbazar, Toser Ahmad Khan said, “Saving lives is our utmost priority, and in the face of this natural calamity, we acted swiftly to rescue the stranded families”.
“Our team worked tirelessly to coordinate the evacuation efforts, navigating treacherous conditions and ensuring the safe transport of all individuals to the designated shelter,” he said, adding that they mobilized all available resources and worked in close collaboration with revenue officials, SDRF Teams and flood authorities to carry out the rescue operation.
Community members, especially nomads, expressed their gratitude towards police and local authorities for their timely help and necessary assistance.
One of the rescued individuals, Ghulam Hasan expressed his gratitude, saying, “We were stranded and terrified as the floodwaters surged around us. Thanks to the heroic efforts of the SHO Mirbazar and local authorities who rescued us in the nick of time. We are immensely grateful for their bravery and quick response”.
“Later all 100 nomadic families in Zadoora were temporarily accommodated in the Government Girls Middle School Zadoora,” SHO Mirbazar said.
The situation was equally challenging in Muniwar, Hanji Danter, Baagi Nowgam and Brinty Batapora.
Additionally, in Dehruna, 13 people along with their valuable 100 sheep and goat flocks, were safely evacuated by Revenue officials under the supervision of Tehsildar Dooru, Khalid zaffer.
Tehsildar Anantnag, Umer Fayaz confirmed that following the rescue operation, all nomadic families were temporarily accommodated in nearest available school buildings, panchayat Ghars .
He said that locals have also accommodated a few families in their own houses.
“Authorities are actively coordinating efforts to ensure the families’ basic needs, such as food, clothing, and medical aid, are met during their stay at the shelter,” he said.
However Xen Flood Control Division Anantnag, Saleem Jahangir Banday, has assured the public that his team is prepared to handle the current flash flood situation.
He also conducted thorough assessments of vulnerable areas where flash floods were triggered and requested people to avoid rivers, Nallah’s during this time. He commended the collaborative efforts of the police, Revenue Department, locals and rescue teams, who effectively worked together to rescue all the nomadic families who were trapped in the flash floods.
“The combined efforts of the Revenue, Police, Flood Control Departments, rescue teams were instrumental in the successful execution of the rescue operations. The dedication and professionalism displayed by these officials exemplify their commitment to public safety and service,” he said.
