Govt providing all possible assistance to bereaved families: LG

Katra, Aug 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday said that the government was providing all possible assistance to the families who had lost their loved ones in the flashfloods and landslides triggered by rain in the Jammu region.

LG Sinha also briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah about the flood situation and relief and rescue operations.

He met the devotees injured in an unfortunate landslide incident near Ardhkuwari at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine who are undergoing treatment at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra and enquired about their health.

A team of senior doctors briefed the LG on the health condition of the injured and the medical procedures being followed.

He directed the doctors and the hospital administration for ensuring the best possible treatment for the speedy recovery of the injured.

LG Sinha was informed that 13 people were presently undergoing treatment at SMVD Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra, and their condition was stable.

He thanked emergency responders, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board employees, and people for their exemplary interventions, which saved many lives.

Interacting with the media persons, the LG said, “The yatra was suspended on Tuesday due to bad weather. A cloudburst occurred, and devotees at Ardhkuwari were caught in it. It was a heart-wrenching natural calamity, in which we lost precious lives. We are providing all possible assistance to bereaved families.”

He also announced ex-gratia relief to the families of the deceased.

LG Sinha said the SMVDSB and the administration were extending all the necessary assistance to the affected families.

The SMVDSB’s policy provides for an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the next of kin of any individual who dies in an unfortunate incident.

An additional Rs 4 lakh will be provided from SDRF.

The LG also briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the flood situation and the ongoing relief and rescue operations in various districts of J&K.

He directed the officials to ensure maximum readiness and presence of staff at their posts to respond to emergency situations.

LG Sinha also spoke to Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, and other senior officials and took stock of the flood situation and rescue and relief operations.

He directed the officials for restoration of power, communication, and water supply on priority in areas where flood water is receding.

More than 5000 people were evacuated from low-lying flooded areas to safety.

“Army, NDRF, and SDRF are working in coordination with the Divisional Commissioner’s office, and we are ensuring that there is an adequate supply of relief materials and all possible assistance is being given to those affected,” the LG said.

He also prayed for the safety and well-being of everyone affected by the natural calamity in various parts of the Jammu division, and those brave emergency responders and citizens actively helping in the relief efforts.

In a post on X, LG Sinha said: “Spoke to Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, and other senior officials and took stock of flood situation and rescue and relief operations. Directed the officials for restoration of power, communication, and water supply on priority in areas where flood water is receding. “