Amit Shah calls Omar, assures Centre’s support
STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of lives and extensive damage caused by cloudburst and landslides in several parts of District Kathua, including Jodh Khad and Juthana, which claimed four lives and left many injured.
The Chief Minister conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and assured all necessary assistance to the affected people.
To provide immediate relief, the Chief Minister announced ex-gratia assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund that would be in addition to the support from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The financial assistance includes Rs lakh for each deceased, Rs 1 lakh for those severely injured, and Rs 50,000 for those with minor injuries. For housing damages, Rs 1 lakh will be given for fully damaged houses, Rs 50,000 for severely damaged houses, and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged houses.
The Chief Minister directed the administration to carry out immediate relief, rescue, and evacuation measures on priority to ensure safety of the affected families and to extend full support to them.
He said the government stands firmly with the people in this hour of crisis and assured that all possible steps will be taken to mitigate the suffering of those hit by the calamity.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah to the Chief Minister regarding the situation in Kathua and assured all necessary support from the Centre.
The Chief Minister welcomed the Union Home Minister’s assurance and said the joint efforts of the J&K government and the Centre will help provide timely relief and rehabilitation to the affected families.
Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and destruction caused by heavy rains and landslides in parts of Kathua, including Janglote, Juthana and Ghatti.
Calling it a moment of profound grief, the Minister extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for strength and healing for those affected. He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
Expressing the grief, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology and Transport, Satish Sharma conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He prayed for peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured.
“The loss of precious lives in Jodh Khad, Juthana and adjoining areas is an irreparable tragedy. The government is committed to providing all necessary help and ensuring that the victims and their families do not face hardships,” the Minister said.
Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo said that this heart-breaking tragedy has shaken every conscious soul of J&K and left several families devastated. She extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, praying for their courage and strength to bear the irreparable loss. She also prayed for speedy recovery of injured souls.
“Words fall short in moments of such grief. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their loved ones”, Sakeena said.
Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, has expressed grief over the loss of lives, saying:.”This sad tragedy has shaken every conscious soul of Jammu & Kashmir and left several families devastated.”
“The Government stands with the affected families and remains committed to ensuring their timely relief and rehabilitation,” he added.
Meanwhile, following the calamity in Jode (Jakhole) and Bagra (Janglote) areas of Kathua district in the early hours of Sunday, the Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, visited the affected sites to assess the situation.
At Jode in Jakhole, where five lives were lost, the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by ADC Kathua Vishavjeet Singh, ACR Vishav Partap Singh and Tehsildar Vikram Kumar. He personally monitored rescue and relief operations jointly carried out by the Army, Police, SDRF and Civil Administration, including evacuation of the injured and provision of immediate assistance.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner, along with DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma, visited GMC Kathua to enquire about the condition of the injured persons shifted from Bagra village of Janglote, where two lives were lost and several houses were damaged. He assured the injured and their families of full support from the administration.
The Deputy Commissioner directed officers to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation and maintain coordination with all line departments for effective emergency response.
He informed that the District Administration has set up an Emergency Operation Centre in view of prevailing weather conditions for round-the-clock monitoring and response. CPO Kathua, Ranjit Thakur, has been designated as Nodal Officer, and people can contact 01922-238796 or 94191-40916 for emergency assistance.
The Deputy Commissioner appealed to the public to remain vigilant, avoid vulnerable areas and follow safety advisories issued by the administration.
