An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) visited Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district yesterday to assess the damage caused by recent heavy rains and landslides.

The Central Team suggested strengthening community-based disaster preparedness and prioritising the restoration of critical infrastructure. The team was led by Colonel Kirti Pratap Singh, Joint Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

The team visited Udhampur and Reasi yesterday and Kathua district on Thursday.

The team inspected several affected sites, including the Domel-Katra highway, the landslide-hit Ballani bridge and the slide site near the Shani temple in Katra.

Officials said, the team also visited agricultural fields to review crop loss and interacted with farmers to understand their concerns.    

The team also attended a review meeting at the Spiritual Growth Centre in Katra, where Reasi Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Malik presented details of losses to lives, livestock, crops, houses, government property and community assets. She also apprised the team of the ongoing restoration works, relief operations and rehabilitation measures.

The officials said relief camps have been set up at Mahore, Jameslan and Sarh for the affected population, where food, shelter, medical aid and other essentials are being provided.