*NoK of deceased to get Rs 9 lakh relief
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today reached out to people injured in the Vaishno Devi landslide, and said it was the result of a cloudburst and the pilgrimage was already suspended when it occurred.
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He spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and briefed them about the post-flood situation.
Interacting with reporters, Sinha said, “This has been a very unfortunate incident. Around noon yesterday, a cloudburst occurred when the yatra was already suspended.
“Due to the cloudburst, several people were swept away by the waters. Many precious lives have been lost, and several others have been injured,” he said.
Sinha, who visited the injured pilgrims at Narayana Hospital in Katra, said, “I have just met the injured persons. Thirteen of them are admitted to the hospital here; they are stable and are receiving the best possible treatment.”
The L-G said many of those who died in the landslide have already been identified, and arrangements are being made by the administration and the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to send bodies to their families.
Sinha said he spoke to the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister about the devastation Jammu suffered in the calamity.
“The entire administration is engaged in protecting people’s lives and property. Relief and rescue operations are underway. In the evening meeting, we will discuss how these efforts can be further strengthened,” he said. Click here to watch video
In a post on X, the L-G said, “At SMVD Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Katra, I met devotees injured in the landslide and enquired about their health. Urged doctors to ensure the best possible treatment. My gratitude to emergency responders, SMVDSB employees and citizens whose exemplary interventions saved many lives.”
He further said relief and rescue work is underway in various districts. “I directed officials for maximum readiness and presence of staff at their posts to respond to emergency situations.”
The Shrine Board’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, Sinha said.
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