A man searches for his belongings amid debris after his house was damaged amid the ongoing military conflict between India and Pakistan, at Uri, in Baramulla district, Jammu and Kashmir, on May 9, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
As Pakistan continued heavy shelling across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, various District Administrations have issued guidelines for the residents to keep safe during the shelling.
Since the commencement of Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, Pakistani troops have made several violations of the ceasefire along the Line of Control. On May 10, 2025, five persons, including a senior J&K government official and a two-year-old girl, were killed as intense mortar shelling and drone strikes by Pakistan hit Jammu region
Accordingly, the Deputy Commissioner of Poonch and the District Administration of Kathua have issued the following guidelines for people residing near the border.
Key safety steps during shelling, especially relevant in border areas:
Shift to the Ground Floor:
Stay on the ground floor to reduce exposure to direct hits. Upper floors are more vulnerable.
Use Sandbags or Soil Bags:
Place sandbags or soil-filled bags on rooftops (especially of single-storey houses) and long wills to absorb the impact of shell fragments and reduce damage.
Avoid Windows and Doors
Stay away from glass windows and doors co ral-vent injury from shattered glass.
Turn Off Gas and Electrical Appliances
Prevent fire hazards by turning off cooking gas, heaters, and unnecessary electrical appilances
Lie Flat and Cover Head
If caught outside, lie flat in a low-lving area and protect your head with your arms or a sturdy op-
Keep Emergency Kit Ready
Include first aid, water, dry food, flashhlight, battery-powered radio, and important documents.
Follow Official Instructions
Listen to local authorities or radio/TV announcements for updates and evacuation orders.
Pakistan’s shelling was accompanied by a wave of drone attacks targeting 26 locations in India — from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat — for the second night on Friday (May 9, 2025). Across the Western border, several States took to recovering the debris that had fallen following Indian interception of these drones and UAVs. In Punjab’s Ferozepur, a crashing projectile from the Pakistani drone destroyed by the air defense system landed at a house in Village Khai Pheme Ke, setting the structure and a car on fire and injuring three people.
Accordingly, police in Faridabad issued a guide to “safety & sanity in air attack scenarios”. Apart from other tips which included 4-4-4-4 box breathing to calm the nerves, and maintaining a normal routine for the family, it advised the following:
Guide to Safety & Sanity in Air Attack Scenarios
Saving lives is the priority Identify the safest room in the house (one that has no windows). If you are outside, lie down in a nearby strong structure or low place. Do not run outside to make an immediate recording or video.
Keep an emergency kit ready Keep identity card, essential medicines, water, dry food, mobile charger, flashlight kit in a bag that can be picked up quickly.
Avoid rumours, trust only official information. Get updates only from credible sources like government apps (NDMA), AIR, and DD News. Verify news circulating on WhatsApp, Twitter or Facebook.
Published – May 10, 2025 02:26 pm IST