JAMMU, Jul 20: The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) on Monday successfully carried out a rescue operation following a rockfall incident near Riggi Nallah, Assar-Baggar in Doda district, while simultaneously intensifying its public safety awareness campaign in view of the ongoing monsoon and adverse weather conditions across Jammu and Kashmir.
According to officials, at around 9:45 a.m., SDRF received information about a road accident caused by the sudden falling of rocks triggered by continuous rainfall and unstable hill slopes. A passenger bus bearing registration number JK02BA487 and a Maruti Ertiga (JK17A-8883), travelling from Jammu to Doda, along with a few other vehicles, were affected in the incident.
Immediately after receiving the information, an SDRF rescue team from Component Doda was mobilised and rushed to the site. On reaching the location, the team launched rescue and relief operations in coordination with the District Administration, Police, local agencies and other stakeholders.
Despite challenging weather conditions, SDRF personnel successfully evacuated six injured persons, who were shifted to Government Medical College (GMC), Doda for treatment. The rescue team also recovered two bodies trapped inside the affected vehicles and ensured the safe evacuation of stranded passengers from the accident site.
Officials said the rescue operation was carried out swiftly and efficiently despite continuous rainfall and the difficult terrain, reflecting the preparedness and commitment of the disaster response teams during emergencies.
Meanwhile, SDRF 2nd Battalion Jammu and SDRF/Civil Defence Component Udhampur have intensified public awareness campaigns across vulnerable areas in view of the prevailing monsoon conditions and weather advisories issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The SDRF has appealed to the general public and Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra pilgrims to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel in landslide-prone and flood-prone areas during periods of heavy rainfall. Citizens have been advised to stay away from rivers, nallahs, streams, lakes, drains and other water bodies, where sudden rises in water levels can pose a serious threat to life.
As part of the advisory, the SDRF has urged people to regularly follow official weather forecasts and government advisories, keep emergency kits containing drinking water, dry food, medicines, torches and first-aid supplies, protect important documents in waterproof covers and cooperate with the District Administration and rescue agencies during emergencies. People have also been advised to assist children, elderly persons and persons with disabilities and to evacuate immediately whenever directed by the authorities.
The advisory further cautions citizens against walking or driving through flooded roads, approaching overflowing water bodies, touching fallen electric wires or damaged electrical installations, spreading rumours or allowing children to play near floodwaters. Residents have also been urged not to return to affected areas until they are declared safe by the authorities.
The SDRF has encouraged citizens to download the Sachet Mobile Application developed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to receive real-time weather alerts, disaster warnings and official safety advisories.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the SDRF said its teams remain on high alert and are continuously engaged in emergency response, monitoring vulnerable areas and spreading awareness to minimise loss of life and property during the ongoing monsoon season.