150 people have been killed in Jammu and Kashmir floods (PTI)
Thousands of people remain stranded in Srinagar which has been flooded since Saturday night by the swollen, over-flowing River Jhelum. Here are the 10 latest developments in Jammu and Kashmir, grappling with the worst floods in six decades:
Latest Developments
Nearly 22,000 people have been evacuated so far in rescue operations including the Army, Air Force, Navy and National Disaster Relief Forces. (Phone Networks Down in Flooded Kashmir, May Take 72 Hours to Restore)
About 150 people are reported dead so far in the state which was battered by heavy rain for five days. Landslides followed, blocking roads to hundreds of villages across the state.
The prime ministers of India and Pakistan have offered to help each other in efforts to alleviate flood havoc in Kashmir. Acknowledging PM Modi's letter offering assistance for flood relief, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said, "Such solidarity in the face of crisis is indeed valuable".
There was no fresh rainfall on Monday and forecasters said only light drizzle was likely in the next few days. (Kashmir Floods: Post Your Message Here)
But officials warn that the real scale of the disaster is hard to piece together because so many villages are impossible to reach for now; also, mobile networks have been down since Sunday. (Kashmir Floods: SOS From Stranded People)
The government is sending VSAT stations -- small satellite stations that allow users access to internet -- for the public, said sources. 62,000 litres of bottled water is also being sent to combat the shortage of drinking water
The army and air force are using satellite phones to coordinate a massive rescue operation. Srinagar's main hospital, army barracks and high court are among the buildings badly hit. In many of the city's neighbourhoods, the water was about 4 metres (12 feet) deep, submerging entire houses. (J&K Floods: Here's How You Can Help)
The Air Force has deployed 45 helicopters and aircraft to help out. Naval commandos have been deployed to bring people to safety. They reportedly rescued 200 people today.
Some of the famous shikara wooden boats, which ferry tourists across the Dal Lake in Srinagar, have also been pressed into service to rescue people from their homes.
Thousands of troops, police and other emergency personnel, backed by helicopters and boats, have fanned out across the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the state to deliver blankets, tents and other aid, the Indian officials said.
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