J&K announces Rs 6 lakh ex-gratia for landslide, flood victims; Rs 10 crore relief placed with DCs

The Office of the Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday announced financial relief for families affected by the recent landslide at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine and other flood-related incidents reported across the Union Territory over the past two days.

According to an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister has approved an ex-gratia of Rs 6 lakh for the next of kin of those who lost their lives. The amount includes Rs 4 lakh from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and Rs 2 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

In addition, Rs 1 lakh will be given to those severely injured, while Rs 50,000 has been sanctioned for those with minor injuries.


To ensure timely assistance, the Chief Minister has also directed the advance placement of Rs 10 crore with each Deputy Commissioner across the Union Territory to meet immediate requirements for relief, rehabilitation, and restoration efforts.

Rising toll and national response

The announcements come as Jammu & Kashmir reels under nature’s fury, with relentless rains triggering landslides and overflowing rivers. The death toll in the Vaishno Devi landslide at Reasi has risen to 41, with at least 20 others injured.

The Chenab, Tawi, and Ravi rivers are flowing dangerously above normal levels, while the Jammu-Srinagar highway remains blocked by debris, further isolating affected regions.

Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu described the tragedy as “extremely distressing,” while Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief and assured all possible assistance from the Centre. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also toured flood-hit areas along the Tawi and briefed PM Modi on the devastation.

Rescue and relief operations are ongoing as authorities scramble to restore connectivity and extend support to stranded and affected families.