(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad on Monday said he would seek compensation from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for those affected by flash floods in Kathua district, instead of demanding a special package.

Seven members of four families, including five children, were killed in two separate incidents of cloudburst and landslide in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir early Sunday, officials said.

The calamity struck Jodh Ghati village of Rajbagh and Bagra village of Janglote amid heavy overnight rains in the district, leading to increase in the level of water bodies and submerging many low-lying areas, they said.

The cloudburst in Kathua came three days after flash floods triggered by cloudburst struck Chisoti village in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir on August 14, leaving 60 people dead and more than 100 injured.

Altaf said,“The damages have been caused to a small village in Kathua. I know the Centre won't give a special package for this village. But I will seek compensation from the PM's relief fund. When I know it is not possible to get a special package, then why would I ask for one? I would instead ask for compensation from the PM's relief funds.”

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To provide immediate relief to the affected, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced ex-gratia assistance from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, in addition to monetary support from the State Disaster Response Fund.

The financial assistance includes Rs 2 lakh each to kin of the deceased, Rs 1 lakh each for those severely injured, and Rs 50,000 each for those with minor injuries.

For structural 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 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 on Sunday spoke to the chief minister regarding the situation in Kathua and assured all necessary support from the Central government.

CM welcomed the assurance and said that joint efforts of the Jammu and Kashmir government and the Centre will help provide timely relief and rehabilitation to the affected families.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday expressed anguish over the loss of life in rain-triggered landslides in Kathua district, and said Home Minister Amit Shah has been briefed on the rescue and relief operations.

“Deeply anguished by the loss of lives in the devastating rain-triggered landslides in several areas of Kathua. The tragedy is mind-numbing,” he said on X.

“Briefed Union Home Minister Amit Shah on rescue and relief operations by the army, NDRF, SDRF, police and administration,” Sinha said in a post on X.

“I have directed senior civil and police officials to coordinate and execute rescue and aid efforts in the affected areas and ensure on-site medical assistance. My thoughts are with bereaved families and praying for the swift recovery of those injured,” the LG said.

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