Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the floods in Jammu and Kashmir a national calamity.
Talking to the prime minister over phone from Srinagar, Azad also urged him to launch rescue operations with the help of the armed forces as was done during the Uttarakhand floods, a statement said.
Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi also expressed condolence for those who died.
"My condolences to families who have lost loved ones, and those who have been displaced from their homes due to the terrible floods in J&K," Rahul Gandhi said in a statement.
"I am grateful to the brave men and women of our armed forces and paramilitary forces who are risking their own lives to provide relief to the people. I appeal to the authorities to ensure that relief and rescue operations reach those in need, swiftly. My prayers are with the people of J&K," he said.
Azad has sought the personal attention of the prime minister "in view of the very grave and grim situation prevailing in the entire state" and requested him to immediately place funds at the disposal of the state government, so that the rescue, relief and rehabilitation operations are carried out in an effective and co-ordinated manner.
While appreciating the role of the armed forces, in coming to the support of state governments in disaster situations like the current one, Azad sought immediate pressing into service of Air Force and Army on the analogy of Uttarakhand disaster, so that stranded people are shifted to safer places more efficiently and effectively.
The prime minister assured all possible help to the state in this hour of crisis.
The Army has already launched 'Operation Sahayata' for rescue and relief in areas of Kashmir Valley, Naushera, Rajouri, Thanamandi and Poonch in coordination with the civil administration.
