Srinagar, Aug 27 (KNO): In the wake of the worsening flood-like situation across Kashmir, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has intensified its operations and deployed manpower across vulnerable areas to ensure the safety of residents.
A senior official from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that more than 400 SDRF personnel and over 60 boats have been deployed throughout the Kashmir valley, while 40 boats are kept in reserve to meet any emergency.
“Teams are on the ground round-the-clock with full preparedness to tackle any eventuality,” the official said.
Regarding the rescue operations in Anantnag, the official said that on August 26, SDRF Anantnag carried out a major rescue at Trail Srigufwara Bijbehara, where 11 civilians trapped in the swollen tributary of River Lidder were evacuated safely.
He added that on August 27, multiple operations were carried out. In Karshangam Ashmuqam, 22 nomads trapped in heavy water flow were rescued. At Sofigund (Qoimoi jurisdiction), a house submerged in floods, six family members were rescued and shifted to safety.
He further said that at Dangarpora Anantnag, six families stranded in inundated houses were rescued, and at Court Complex Anantnag, the Sessions Judge and staff were evacuated after the premises and roads were submerged.
He added that at the Mehndi Kadal–Lal Chowk route, SDRF provided safe passage to 250 persons, including elderly and ailing residents, enabling them to reach their destinations.
About statewide preparedness, the officials said SDRF Kashmir has deployed district and sub-district level units, Water Quick Response Teams (QRTs), motor boats, manual boats, and other rescue equipment.
“On the directions of the Divisional Administration, 20 SDRF Rescue Teams were earmarked with boats and equipment. Of these, eight teams were deputed to the most affected areas, including Rajbagh, Bemina, Pantha Chowk, Kral Khud, Chanapora, and Mehjoor Nagar,” the official said.
They said that additionally, one team each at Dal Lake, Zero Bridge (Jhelum), Nigeen, and Hazratbal has been kept in full readiness with boats and allied gear.
Speaking about the operations, a senior SDRF official told KNO their men are working with both urgency and compassion. “The mission is clear—every single life matters, and no effort will be spared to rescue those in danger,” he said.
About the deployment of SDRF manpower, the official told KNO that the SDRF 1st Battalion, Srinagar, has deployed teams across all districts and sub-divisions of Kashmir: Khanabal Anantnag – 41 personnel; at Qazigund – 16; at Kulgam – 22; at Shopian – 27; at Pulwama – 36; at Awantipora – 9; at Budgam – 26; at Ganderbal – 16; at Mansbal Lake Ganderbal (Water QRT) – 7; at Police Station Gund – 8; at Baramulla – 25; at Uri (Civil Defence) – 7; at Bandipora – 19; at Kupwara – 34; and at Sopore – 13.
They also shared that at Zero Bridge Jhelum (Water QRT) – 12 personnel; at Dal Lake Nehru Park (Water QRT) – 12; at RCDCC Srinagar – 18; at Nigeen Lake (Water QRT) – 7; at Hazratbal (Water QRT) – 7; at SDRF Campus Bemina Srinagar – 22; at EOC Humhama – 3; and at ICCC – 2. Over 17 rescue teams are on standby at Battalion HQs Srinagar – 85 personnel.
Additionally, authorities said SDRF rescue teams are kept under the direct supervision of respective Deputy Commissioners to ensure a coordinated response and immediate relief operations in case of emergencies.
“Rescue teams are on high alert. Our primary focus is to save lives, shift stranded families, and ensure that relief reaches the most vulnerable sections at the earliest,” the senior official said.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar Commandant of SDRF, SSP Masroor, speaking about the rescue operations, said, “The greatest victory in a disaster is not in saving possessions, but in saving every single soul.”
He added, “It is our duty, and with your cooperation, we will not fail.”—(KNO)