Jammu, Aug 28, KNT: Days after a massive flood swept through large parts of Jammu, the city continues to reel under severe disruption of essential services. Vast stretches remain waterlogged while locals are grappling with acute shortages of drinking water, electricity, food supplies, and medicines.
Several power transformers were damaged in the deluge, plunging entire localities into darkness. With electricity supply yet to be restored in many flood-hit neighbourhoods, families are struggling to run basic appliances or charge their phones to contact relatives. The lack of power has also crippled water supply systems, worsening the scarcity of clean drinking water.
Locals from different parts of the city, including Sheetali where the main water filtration plant is located, have urged authorities to expedite operations to resume safe water supply. Locals told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that many areas have not received a single drop of potable water since the floods struck, forcing them to depend on unsafe sources. They have appealed for the immediate deployment of water tankers until the pipelines are restored.
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Food supplies are also running short. In submerged localities, grocery stores and ration depots remain shut, while those located in higher areas are struggling with dwindling stocks as supply chains remain disrupted. Families in relief camps have complained about inadequate distribution of essentials.
The situation has turned grim for sick and ailing patients. Several residents reported that medicines are out of stock at pharmacies while those in need of treatment are unable to access healthcare facilities due to inundated roads. Locals appealed to the administration to ensure the availability of medicines along with food, water, and electricity on priority.
Authorities said restoration work was underway but admitted that damaged infrastructure, including submerged transformers and blocked water supply lines, has slowed progress. Engineers have been pressed into service to repair the Sheetali filtration plant, which caters to a large part of the city.
Meanwhile, several areas of Jammu continue to remain submerged, leaving thousands of families displaced. The flood, described by locals as one of the worst in recent years, has caused widespread damage to homes, shops, and public property. People in relief camps and marooned neighbourhoods are urging the government to step up relief measures before the situation worsens further. [KNT]
