Jammu, Aug 14 (UNI) As many as 12 persons are feared dead after a massive cloudburst the remote village of Chositi in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir today.
Officials said flash floods were triggered after the cloudburst in Chositi village, adding, “Twelve people are feared dead, but the exact number is yet to be ascertained.”
“The teams of SDRF, NDRF, Police, Army along with locals are carrying out the rescue operation,” they said.
The Machail Yatra has also been suspended due to cloudburst, they added.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X, said: “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.”
He further said in a post, “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.”
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor in a post on X said, “Anguished by cloudburst in Chositi Kishtwar. Condolences to bereaved families and prayers for quick recovery of injured.”
He directed Civil, Police, Army, NDRF, and SDRF officials to strengthen the rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance is provided to those affected.
Meanwhile, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh posted on X: “Spoke to DC Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma after receiving an urgent mess
“Massive cloudburst in Chositi area, which could result in substantial casualty. Administration has immediately swung into action, rescue team has left for the site,” he wrote on X.
He further posted, “Damage evaluation and, necessary rescue and medical management arrangements being made. My office receiving regular updates, all possible assistance will be provided.”
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “I just spoke to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to brief him about the developing situation in Kishtwar region of Jammu. The news is grim and accurate, verified information from the area hit by the cloud burst is slow in arriving.”
All possible resources are being mobilised from within and beyond J&K to manage the rescue operations, he posted on X, adding, “I’m not going to be speaking to channels or news agencies. The government will share information as and when possible.”
Leader of Opposition and BJP MLA Sunil Sharma said on X, “Deeply distressed to learn about the devastating cloudburst in the Chositi area of Padder, which may lead to significant loss of life.I have just spoken with LG Manoj Sinha and DrJitendra Singh to assess the situation.”
“NDRF teams and helicopters are being mobilized to the site at the earliest. Efforts are underway to evaluate the damage and coordinate rescue and medical operations. I am en route to the location to personally oversee the response and ensure that all necessary measures are taken,” he said.
Former J&K Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad said, “Deeply saddened by the cloudburst in Chositi, Kishtwar. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayrs for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
“Urge the govt to immediately carry out rescue and relief operations and ensure all possible assistance and treatment for those affected,” said Azad in a post.
