Jammu and Kashmir state devastated by worst flood in 109 years

Torrential rains have caused massive destruction and severe distress in the state of Jammu and Kashmir with several fatalities and large numbers displaced. Several houses,especially in low lying areas, have been washed away or entirely damaged. More than 2500 major and minor roads have been damaged, numerous footbridges washed away and more than 100 motorable bridges damaged. There has been a major communication and power breakdown due to transformers and towers being damaged. An estimated 19,00,000 people in 2600 villages and towns, have been affected in the floods, and an estimated 543,000 displaced people, many of whom have returned to their homes, are still in extreme distress, particularly the children, women and aged Access routes are gradually being restored and the rescue operations need to be followed up with immediate relief measures to prevent any further anguish for the victims.