Srinagar, 12 September 2014: The following medical relief activities have been taken up by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for the flood affected areas of Jammu & Kashmir:
The Ministry is regularly monitoring the situation arising out of floods in Jammu and Kashmir. A control room has been set up in the Ministry (phone-23061469, 23063205, 23061302).
A team of Special DGHS, Additional Secretary, Joint Secretary and Addl. DDG Director (EMR) went to Srinagar to oversee the arrangements.
Two Public Health Teams have been positioned on 8 September, 2014, one each in Jammu and Srinagar for Rapid Health Assessment and to prevent/control public health exigencies.
A 10 member clinical team comprising physicians, pediatricians and gynaecologists have been positioned in Srinagar since 10 September, 2014 to provide medical relief to the affected population.
On the request of the State Government, another 20 member clinical team comprising physicians, pediatricians and reproductive health specialists have been deployed in Srinagar yesterday.
Two psycho-social teams for psycho-social need assessment are being deployed tomorrow from National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore.
Chief Secretary (J&K) vide his fax message dated 05th September, 2014 requested twenty three medicines. Five medicines have been supplied in full on 07th September, 2014; thirteen medicines have been supplied in part and remaining five drugs are being procured to be supplied on urgent basis. Out of the remaining drugs to be supplied by 13/09/2014, 05 more medicines along with the 998500 Chlorine tablets have been dispatched from Delhi by Air force. Around 100 tonnes of medicines and other supplies (including 28 tonnes of medicines) have been sent so far.
Indian Red Cross Society has so far supplied 1082 tents (each to house eight people) from Delhi (750) and Arakkonam (332). In addition, they have sent 750 tarpaulins, 1000 kitchen sets and 2500 blankets. The Indian Red Cross Society is also ready to supply additional 700 tents (each to house eight people) from Arakkonam store through Air Force today. Air Force has been requested to airlift the tents from Arakkonam.
Two Water Purification Plants each having a capacity of purifying around 50,000 litres per day and six small water purification units along with operators have been dispatched today from Delhi by Air force.
A mammoth response action to unprecedented flood in Jammu and Kashmir was launched by Government of India. Indian Army has deployed 329 columns (approx. 20,000 troops) alongwith 80 medical teams. There are 12 relief camps in Jammu & 6 relief camps in Srinagar for the affected people. 15 engineering task force teams have been deployed with engineering stores and equipments. Two MARCOS teams of Indian Navy have been deployed. Additional deep diving teams and naval medical teams are on standby. Indian Air Force has deployed 30 fixed wing aircrafts and 53 helicopters for rescue and relief operations. In addition, Army has also deployed 16 helicopters. 135 boats have been deployed by Indian Army for carrying out rescue operations. NDRF deployed 22 teams consisting of 955 personnel alongwith 148 boats and 30 divers. Together, people rescued have been around 1,40,000.
In view of the insularity of the state, post-disaster food had to be airlifted. So far, 7 Lakhs ready-to-eat food packets and 3 Lakh biscuit packets and 300 tonnes of food has been airlifted to be distributed in Srinagar. Nearly 10 Lakh litres of water in bottles and sachets have been airlifted for distribution. 2,000 tents and 7,000 blankets were sent for distribution. 7,000 ltrs of extra shelf-life milk (tetra pack) and 5MT milk powder of Mother Dairy have been sent. 100 tonne of medicines have been flown to the valley. In addition, 500 mobile chargers, 2,000 solar lanterns and 1,000 kitchen sets have been sent for distribution to the valley. Another 4,000 solar lanterns are being sent.
Today, 2.5 Lakhs food packets and 3.5 Lakhs water bottles were sent which will be stepped up to 6 Lakhs food packets per day. Nine numbers of water purifier plants with experts have been sent to Srinagar which will purify 6 lakhs ltr water per day. In addition, 2 lakh ltrs water will be airlifted for taking care of the need of the affected people of the city. Heavy duty pumps are being organized to be airlifted for pumping stagnant water post draining.
Nearly, 100 tonnes of medicines, three medical teams with specialists and two teams for Psycho-social care have been sent. Five task forces of BRO have been deployed for Srinagar – Rajouri – Akhnoor road through Patnitop to connect Jammu with Srinagar so that State’s lifeline linkage are restored quickly.
This is the humongous relief effort in a disaster for which Govt. of India has deployed all its resources to bring succour to the people of Srinagar. Currently, preparation is on for assisting in apart from temporary shelter and food to provide sanitation and clean up of the city so that epidemic does not break out. NDMA has sought the assistance of corporate sector for tents, blankets and medicines which will be required in large quantity post draining out of the water. Given the enormity of the efforts, Govt. of India is determined to commit its best efforts in assisting State Govt. to bring back Srinagar and other affected parts of the J&K to normalcy.
