LG Briefs Union Home Minister About Relief Operations in Cloudburst Hit Kathua

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the ongoing response operations, involving the Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, and civil administration. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives due to landslides and a cloudburst in various parts of Kathua district.

“The tragedy is mind-numbing,” the Lieutenant Governor wrote on social media platform X. “My thoughts are with the bereaved families and I am praying for the swift recovery of those injured.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed profound grief over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He announced immediate financial assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, in addition to aid from the State Disaster Response Fund.

As per the Chief Minister’s announcement, ex-gratia payments will include Rs 2 lakh for each deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. For housing losses, Rs 1 lakh will be given for fully damaged houses, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged, and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged structures.

The Chief Minister instructed local authorities to carry out rescue, relief, and evacuation operations on a priority basis. He assured full support to the affected families, stating: “The government stands firmly with the people in this hour of crisis.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke to Chief Minister Abdullah and assured full support from the Centre to ensure timely rehabilitation and aid to the victims.