Omar Abdullah announces restoration funds for earthquake hit areas

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today announced Rs 25 crore for restoration of damaged public service infrastructure and three months free ration to the affected families in the earthquake hit areas of Jammu region.

The Chief Minister also approved procurement of tents to be supplied to the affected families whose houses have been completely damaged in the natural calamity that hit the districts of Doda, Ramban, Kishtwar and adjacent areas on May 1, an official spokesman said here.

Omar, who chaired the meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority here, directed officials concerned to ensure finalisation of the damage assessment report by visiting each affected household, so that mobilisation of financial support for reconstruction and repair of damaged houses take place on fast track, he said.

The Chief Minister directed for preparing a case for financial support to the affected families on the pattern of relief provided to the people affected in Ladakh saying, "it should be submitted to the Centre as early as possible," the spokesman said.

Omar also directed officials for early assessment of property damages in South Kashmir due to the earthquake, he added.