The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, has announced ₹9 lakh for the next of kin killed in the landslide at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Reasi on Wednesday. The death toll in the incident has gone up to 32, with 20 others injured.
Heavy rains, cloudbursts and floods have battered Jammu, causing deaths and damage to property and infrastructure, including four bridges.
Both the Tawi and Chenab rivers are flowing above the danger mark. The authorities mobilised rescue and relief operations on a war footing.
The tragedy at the Vaishnov Devi shrine comes two weeks after cloudbursts killed more than 60 yatris of Machail Mata at Chashoti in Kistwar on August 14, with 32 people still untraced.
Talking to reporters in Jammu, Sinha said the deaths at Vaishno Devi were very unfortunate. “Many people were swept away in the strong currents of water, leading to the loss of several precious lives,” he said. “Those injured have been admitted to hospitals and are receiving the best possible treatment.”
The LG added that arrangements are being made by the administration to send the bodies of the deceased to their families. “No amount of compensation can make up for a life lost, but as per policy, the kin of the deceased will receive ₹5 lakh from the Shrine Board and ₹4 lakh from the Disaster Management funds.”
Sinha said he has briefed the Prime Minister and Home Minister about the situation. He said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and are working with full commitment to protect lives.
“In the review meetings, more steps will be discussed to strengthen relief and safety measures for the people,” he said.
Also read
- Child finds 'Chinese' gun-mountable scope from garbage bin in Jammu and Kashmir, probe on
- How the Indian Army, BSF are keeping vigil as intel suggests Pak terrorists may use Jammu’s dense fog for cover
- EXPLAINED | Omar Abdullah’s balancing act: Why Congress-National Conference unease persists
- J&K hydel project row: Nov 1 police letter claims 29 with 'terror or criminal' links were hired at Ratle
More than 5000 people have been evacuated to safety from the flooded areas in Jammu. The Army, NDRF and SDRF are working in coordination with the Divisional Commissioner’s (DC) office to ensure that there is adequate supply of relief materials and all possible assistance is given to those affected.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah toured the flood-hit areas along the banks of the Tawi today. “I spoke to the prime minister just a while ago. I briefed him about the situation. I thank him for the deployment of NDRF teams,” Abdullah told reporters. “He has assured me that all support will be given by the Central government to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”
The chief minister said they were slightly relieved as the rain had stopped on Wednesday. He said compared to yesterday, there has been some relief today as the rains have stopped. He said the water is slowly receding in low-lying areas.