Union Minister Harsh Vardhan congratulates Network18 journalist for saving over 300 lives during J&K floods

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan congratulated Network 18 journalist Riffat Abdullah for saving more than 300 lives in the flood-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir.

Vardhan tweeted, "Touched by reports of Network 18 journalist Riffat Abdullah's bravery during Srinagar floods which led to 300+ lives being saved. Keep it up."

More than 200 people lost their lives in the worst floods witnessed by the state in six decade. The joint effort by the Army, Indian Air Force and the National Disaster Response Force saved over two lakh people.

While the rescue efforts continue, the state's economy has been hit hard by the devastating floods. According to initial estimates of industry body Assocham, the floods have caused an immediate loss of Rs 5400-Rs 5700 crore to the state's economy.

The initial estimated loss to hotel, trade, agriculture, road and bridges itself is of Rs 2,630 crore. High-cost infrastructure like railways, power and communication have suffered a loss of about Rs 2700- Rs 3000 Crore.