"We were able to rescue some people after getting these messages. We have asked our commanders and control rooms to streamline these messages so that our teams can be directed where they are needed," National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) chief O P Singh said. He said 453 such "social media" messages over Whatsapp, Twitter, SMSes and emails have been received by them.

He said the communication links in the state have also seen a "significant" improvement and the force hopes to reach more and more troubled people in the few hours. "We are also doing night operations in some areas," he said.

The Director General said 42 localities in Kashmir Valley have been identified as critical. He said they are using Chetak and Cheetah helicopters to fly small sorties within a limited area to rescue more and more people.

The DG said they have received information that water has started receding in few areas. He said 8,018 people have been rescued by them while 19 teams comprising about 1,000 personnel are operating in the state, where 148 boats have been deployed and more are being air-lifted.

The NDRF has published its distress call numbers. The control room number is 011-26107953, mobile- 09711077372 and email is ndrfhq@nic.in.

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