CM Omar Abdullah announces Rs 2 lakh ex gratia to kin of each killed in Kathua cloudburst

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Sunday announced ex gratia assistance of Rs 2 lakh from the CM’s Relief Fund, in addition to SDRF support to the kin of each of the seven killed in this morning’s cloudburst in the Kathua district of Jammu.

Expressing deep concern for the lives and property affected by the cloudburst, the CM announced a grant of Rs 1 lakh for the seriously injured and Rs 50,000 for minor injuries.

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He also announced assistance of Rs 1 lakh for fully damaged houses; Rs 50,000 for severely damaged houses, and Rs 25,000 for partially damaged houses.

This assistance is aimed at providing immediate relief and supporting the affected families in rebuilding their lives.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said that helicopter services have been arranged for shifting the injured to hospitals for treatment. Six injured have been airlifted for hospitalisation in Mamoon, Pathankot, which was found to be a relatively nearer destination.

“DIG Police, Shiv Kumar Sharma, along with his team, is camping at the spot and is in constant touch with me. Further assistance will be arranged, as and when required,” Dr Jitendra Singh said.

Former chief minister and PDP chief, Mehbooba Mufti, and Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari have expressed grief over the loss of lives and property.

Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, also expressed grief and warned against tampering with the green cover and ecology.