Kishtwar, Aug 14: At least 12 bodies have been recovered as a massive cloudburst struck the Chositi area of Kishtwar on Thursday prompting large-scale rescue operations.
Details said the cloudburst triggered massive flash floods. Given the severity of the incident, casualties are likely to be high.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar (IAS), told news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC that SDRF teams and other concerned agencies are on the spot, and rescue operations are underway. “All efforts are being made to save lives and provide immediate assistance,” he said.
Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh said he received an urgent message from Leader of Opposition J&K and local MLA Sunil Kumar Sharma about the incident. “The cloudburst is of massive scale and could possibly lead to substantial casualties. The administration has moved rescue teams to the site, and arrangements are being made for heli-rescue and medical management,” he said, adding that every possible assistance will be extended.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed anguish over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. “I have directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF & SDRF officials to strengthen rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance to the affected,” the LG said.
Closely Monitoring Situation, Assured All Possible Help: HM Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Centre is in constant touch with Jammu and Kashmir administration over the cloudburst incident in Kishtwar district.
In a post on X, Amit Shah wrote, “Spoke with the LG and Chief Minister of J&K on the cloudburst in Kishtwar district. The local administration is conducting relief and rescue operations. NDRF teams have promptly been rushed to the site.”
“We are closely monitoring the situation and stand firmly with the people of Jammu and Kashmir through every situation. Assured of all possible assistance to the people in need,” he added.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also posted on X, saying, “I just spoke to the Union Home Minister @AmitShah Sb to brief him about the developing situation in Kishtwar region of Jammu. The news is grim & accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloud burst is slow in arriving. All possible resources are being mobilised from within & beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations. I’m not going to be speaking to channels or news agencies. The government will share information as & when possible.”
