Jammu
The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of those killed in a snow avalanche in Lashkote forests of Lolab in Kupwara district, an official spokesperson said.
The bodies of Bashir Ahmed S/o Gh Rasool, Ghulam Mohd Lone S/o Ali Mohammad, Mohammed Altaf S/o Bashir Ahmed all residents of village Warnow, Lolab, were retrieved from the avalanche area after strenuous efforts by joint rescue teams of Army, Police, SDRF, Revenue and locals comprising of more than 100 personnel.
Minister for Disaster Management, Relief Rehabilitation Reconstruction and Floriculture Javaid Mustafa Mir announced the compensation under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) for the victims’ families, the official said.
Minister appreciated the rescue teams and the local volunteers for successfully accomplishing the challenging task of search operation despite harsh terrain and inclement weather.
The Minister expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved families and directed the health department to provide best medical facilities to the two survivors.
The Minister was personally monitoring the search and rescue operation, on a day to day basis and had directed Deputy Commissioners of Bandipora and Kupwara not to discontinue the search and rescue operation till the bodies of missing persons trapped under snow were recovered.
The Minister asked Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and District Disaster Management Authorities to take note why such incident occurred when avalanche warning was already issued. He stressed on preemptive measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Meanwhile, Director, Disaster Management, Aamir Ali appealed the people living in avalanche prone areas and higher reaches, to adhere to avalanche warnings issued on daily basis through print and electronic media. He advised the people not to venture into these areas and take precautionary measures.
