In Jammu and Kashmir, a massive cloudburst struck a remote village in Kishtwar district this afternoon in which multiple casualties have been reported and over 75 people have been injured and many are still missing. Our Jammu Correspondent reports that the disaster has lead to widespread damages to property also. The disaster hit Chasoti which is about 90 kilometers from Kishtwar, the last motorable village on the way to the Machail Mata Temple today when a large number of people had gathered for the Machail Mata Yatra. From there begins the 8.5 kilometres trek to the Machail Shrine. A cloudburst that triggered flash floods also severely affected a ‘langar’ set up for devotees. However, the annual yatra to the shrine has been suspended following the incident as authorities mobilised all resources to conduct a massive rescue and relief operation. The flash floods hit several houses clustered together in the foothills. After the incident was reported, the Kishtwar administration immediately swung into action, and rescue teams reached the site and a massive rescue operation was started. Two teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been rushed from Udhampur to Kishtwar. Officials said it could take up to 20 days for rescue, relief, and recovery operations.
The President Droupadi Murmu and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed grief on the loss of lives due to cloudburst in Jammu and Kashmir. In a social media post, the President said, the news of several deaths due to a cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu-Kashmir, is extremely tragic. She expressed condolences to the grieving families and prayed for the success of relief and rescue operations. The Prime Minister said, his thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the cloudburst and flooding in Kishtwar. In a social media post, he said, the situation is being monitored closely. Mr Modi said, rescue and relief operations are underway. He said, every possible assistance will be provided to those in need.
Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the cloudburst. In a social media post Mr Shah said that the local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. He informed that NDRF teams have promptly been rushed to the site and the government closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir through every situation. He assured of all possible assistance to the people in need.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said rescue teams have been dispatched, though difficult terrain and poor weather hinder access. Mr. Singh is coordinating with central authorities. SDRF and NDRF are being mobilised. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief and assured full-scale rescue and relief efforts.
