Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, confirmed today that 60 people have lost their lives and over 100 have been injured due to a devastating cloud burst incident in the Kishtwar region. He also reported that dozens of individuals remain unaccounted for, intensifying the urgency of ongoing rescue operations.
In response to the disaster, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Indian Army, and Jammu and Kashmir Police have launched extensive relief and rescue operations in the affected area. The civil administration, alongside local residents, has joined efforts to provide immediate assistance.
Chief Minister Abdullah while calling for an investigation into the incident, said that a weather advisory had already been issued across the UT prior to the cloud burst. He urged on the need for accountability in light of the tragedy.
In a show of solidarity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Abdullah to discuss the situation in Kishtwar. “I just received a call from Hon PM @narendramodi Sb. I briefed him about the situation in Kishtwar the steps being taken by the administration. My government the people hit by this tragic cloudburst are grateful for his support all the assistance provided by the Union Government,” Abdullah wrote on X.
In light of the tragedy, the Omar Abdullah government has decided to cancel all cultural events and high tea gatherings throughout the Union Territory. At Srinagar’s Bakshi Stadium, Abdullah presided over a somber Independence Day function, focusing solely on hoisting the National Flag and conducting a march past.
The central government has engaged with the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir regarding necessary support for relief and rescue operations. “Rescue Relief Operations at Chashoti are in full swing. Men machinery have been deployed at the site. Other teams have also been rushed. I briefed Hon’ble Union Home Minister Sh. Amit Shah Ji on rescue relief operations by various agencies. He has assured all possible assistance. I want to assure all the affected families that the Government stands shoulder to shoulder with them in this hour of crisis. The Air Force has also been alerted for evacuation. I am constantly monitoring the situation,” the Lieutenant Governor informed on the X.
The Indian Army has mobilized additional personnel to aid in rescue efforts, with over five columns of 60 soldiers each, along with medical detachments, actively working on the ground. “Relief operations continue in full swing. Search for missing individuals is underway, with medical aid and support reaching affected families,” an Army spokesperson confirmed.
Also Read: Independence Day 2025: PM Modi Sets Record With 103-Minute Speech, Longest By Any Prime Minister
