Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday 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,and other flood-related incidents in past two days in the union territory.

In a post on X, the CM said Rs 1 lakh will be given to those severely injured, Rs 50,000 to those with minor injuries. “Additionally, 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,” he said.

The UT has been reeling under inclement weather conditions as cloudbursts and torrential rain wreaked havoc in the region, sweeping villages and houses with the heavy flow of water.

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On Tuesday, a landslide occurred near the Vaishno Devi shrine, killing 30 people. The landslide occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari cave temple, located on the route to the Vaishno Devi shrine.

“A landslide incident has occurred near Inderprastha Bhojnalaya at Adhkwari, and some injuries are feared. Rescue operations are underway along with the required manpower and machinery. Jai Mata Di,” the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) had said in a post on X.

School, colleges closed

The Education Ministry in J&K announced that all the school, colleges and universities would remain closed on Thursday as the weather conditions continue to remain tense.

Earlier in the day, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah on the flash flood situation due to heavy rain in the Union Territory, as relief and rescue operations were carried out across several districts.

The LG said that officials were directed to remain fully prepared to handle any emergency.