Army prepared for rescue operations in flood-hit Kashmir

Srinagar, March 30 (IANS) The Indian Army has kept 20 columns, equipped with boats and water pumps, ready for rescue operations in the flood-hit Kashmir valley, officials said on Monday.

The columns -- comprising 100 to 125 personnel -- and rescue boats with water pumps have been kept ready, army officials said.

Two IL-76 transport aircrafts have, meanwhile, flown in two companies of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel to Srinagar from Bathinda.

The army, which was formally requested to assist rescue and relief operations on Monday, has also undertaken strengthening of weak points on the anti-flood embankment along the Jhelum river at two locations in Sonawar.

Continuous vigil of areas along River Jhelum, land slide and avalanche-prone areas is being maintained, said an official.

"Army has placed 20 Flood Relief Columns ready to react and deploy at short notice," army officials said here, adding that various flood relief stores and equipment have been stockpiled.

As many as 30 boats for rescue or light paddled boats called Boat Assault Universal Type (BAUTS) have been placed in Pulwama, Kulgam, Baramullah and Khanabal for rescue operations.

In addition, 19 boats have been placed in different parts of Srinagar itself.

A Joint Control Room (JCR) has been established at the Badami Bagh Cantonment on the outskirts of the state's summer capital. Its emergency contact number is 2701083.

"The Engineer Task Forces have also been kept on standby in 15 and 16 Corps area. In addition, water pumps have been placed at Shivpora, Srinagar for de-watering and additional pumps have been placed at BB Cantt for utilizing in flood affected areas at short notice," the official added.