Jammu, Aug 27 (KNO): “Couldn't we take the measures to prevent the situation despite receiving weather alerts in advance?” Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday, expressing anguish over the loss of lives in Katra due to floods. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured the Centre's full support.
Speaking to the reporters here, the CM, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), after assessing the flood situation, said, "Couldn't we take elaborate measures to prevent the situation despite receiving the flood alert in advance. We will look into it later why the people were not taken to a safe place."
He expressed anguish over the loss of lives in Katra and said that nearly 29 to 30 people died in the incident.
Omar said the low-lying areas have witnessed major damage.
He assured that the measures will be taken on priority for the people living illegally in the flood-prone areas. "We can't rebuild their houses again and again, but they will be shifted to safer places," he added.
The Chief Minister visited Jammu early this morning to assess the flood situation triggered by incessant rainfall for the last couple of days, causing extensive damage to properties at multiple places.
Omar said the people living near the rivers will also be shifted to safer places as they have been facing damage frequently due to the inclement weather conditions.
Meanwhile, CM Abdullah said he talked to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the phone and apprised him about the prevailing situation.
The Prime Minister has assured complete support from the central government, he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister announced Rs 6 lakh ex-gratia (Rs 4 lakh from SDRF & Rs 2 lakh from CM’s Relief Fund) for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the landslide at Mata Vaishno Devi & other flood-related incidents in the past two days in J&K.
Office of Chief Minister, J&K, in a post said, “Chief Minister has announced Rs 6 lakh ex-gratia (Rs 4 lakh from SDRF & Rs 2 lakh from CM’s Relief Fund) for the next of kin of those who lost their lives in the landslide at Mata Vaishno Devi & other flood-related incidents in past two days in J&K. Rs 1 lakh will be given to the severely injured & Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries."
"Additionally, the Chief Minister has directed the Advance placement of Rs 10 crore with each Deputy Commissioner to meet the immediate requirements of relief, rehabilitation and restoration,” the post added—(KNO)