Kathua cloudburst : Minister Sharma meets affected families, assures govt support

Srinagar, Aug 17: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology and Transport, Satish Sharma, has expressed deep grief over the tragic loss of four lives and injuries to several others caused by landslides and cloudburst incidents in Kathua district.Conveying his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the minister prayed for peace for the departed souls and speedy recovery of the injured. He assured that every possible assistance would be extended to the affected families during this difficult time.Sharma said the government stands firmly with the people of Kathua in this hour of grief. “The administration has been directed to carry out immediate rescue, relief, and evacuation measures to ensure the safety and rehabilitation of all affected families,” he said.The minister said the loss of precious lives in Jodh Khad, Juthana and adjoining areas is an irreparable tragedy. “The government is committed to providing all necessary help and ensuring that the victims and their families do not face hardships,” he added.Sharma appealed to the people of the region to remain cautious and cooperate with the administration in ongoing rescue and relief efforts. The minister visited the Kathua district to meet the affected families. He assured them that the government would extend full support in terms of relief, rehabilitation, and other necessary assistance during this difficult time.Sharma also visited the Government Medical College, Kathua, and interacted with the injured under treatment and prayed for their early recovery. He directed the district administration to ensure that the victims receive prompt medical care and that no affected family faces any delay in availing relief measures.The minister, among others, was accompanied by ADDC Kathua, Surinder Mohan; Principal GMC Kathua, Dr Sunil Atri; and other senior officers of the district administration. Later, Sharma visited the Army Hospital Pathankot to enquire about the well-being of the injured persons shifted there for treatment.Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakina Itoo, expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of lives and injuries to several persons in Kathua due to cloudburst and landslide incidents.”This heartbreaking tragedy has shaken every conscious soul of J&K and left several families devastated,” she said. Itoo extended her heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families, praying for their courage and strength to bear the irreparable loss. She prayed for the speedy recovery of injured souls.“Words fall short in moments of such grief. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost their loved ones,” Sakina said.The minister said the administration has been mobilised to provide immediate relief and assistance to all the affected families. “The government stands hand in hand with the affected families and remains committed to ensuring their timely relief and rehabilitation,” she said. Minister for Agriculture Production Department, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj, Javid Ahmad Dar, also expressed grief over the loss of lives and injuries to several persons in Kathua due to cloudburst and landslide incidents.“This sad tragedy has shaken every conscious soul of Jammu & Kashmir and left several families devastated,” Dar said. “My heart goes out to the bereaved families, and I pray for their courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss.”The minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the affected families and assured them that the administration has been mobilised to provide immediate relief and assistance.“The government stands with the affected families and remains committed to ensuring their timely relief and rehabilitation,” he added.