Kathua, Aug 17: Following the calamity in Jode (Jakhole) and Bagra (Janglote) areas of Kathua district in the early hours of Sunday, the Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, today visited the affected sites to assess the situation.According to a statement issued here, at Jode in Jakhole, where five lives were lost, the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by ADC Kathua Vishavjeet Singh, ACR Vishav Partap Singh and Tehsildar Vikram Kumar. He personally monitored rescue and relief operations jointly carried out by the Army, Police, SDRF and Civil Administration, including evacuation of the injured and provision of immediate assistance. Later, the Deputy Commissioner, along with DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, visited GMC Kathua to enquire about the condition of the injured persons shifted from Bagra village of Janglote, where two lives were lost and several houses were damaged. He assured the injured and their families of full support from the administration.The Deputy Commissioner directed officers to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation and maintain coordination with all line departments for effective emergency response. He informed that the District Administration has set up an Emergency Operation Centre in view of prevailing weather conditions for round-the-clock monitoring and response. CPO Kathua, Ranjit Thakur, has been designated as Nodal Officer, and people can contact 01922-238796 or 94191-40916 for emergency assistance. The Deputy Commissioner appealed to the public to remain vigilant, avoid vulnerable areas and follow safety advisories issued by the administration.
