Kishtwar: A tragedy unfolded in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar after a massive cloudburst struck Chositi village on Thursday evening. At least 12 people lost their lives in a flash flood triggered by the cloudburst. Several people were also reportedly injured.
Notably, Chositi is a remote village en route the Machail Mata yatra in Kishtwar. Authorities immediately swung into action and launched a rescue operation. Senior officials, including Kishtwar's Deputy commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma and Senior Superintendent of Police Naresh Singh, are on their way to the cloudburst-hit area to supervise the rescue operation.
Latest Developments:
- At least 12 dead and over 40 others sustained injuries in the tragic incident. The injured were shifted to the government hospital in Athuli.
- The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are involved in the rescue operation along with local authorities and the police. Nearly 180 members of the two NDRF teams equipped with modern gadgets were rushed from its Udhampur base. The Indian Army has also been called to help in the rescue operation.
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to J&K Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omat Abdullah and took stock of the situation. "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," Shah said.
- Union Minister Jitendra Singh said he spoke to the Kishtwar DC. "A massive Cloud burst in Chositi village, which could result in substantial casualties. Administration has immediately swung into action, the rescue team has left for the site", he said on X.
- Several devotees have been rescued by authorities from the flash flood-hit area.
- A langar shed near the holy shrine has also been washed away.
- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed grief over the tragic incident. "Chief Minister has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar, extending condolences to the bereaved families. The Chief Minister’s office is in touch with the district administration and all the measures for relief and rescue are being taken," the CMO said in an official statement.
- Authorities have issued helpline numbers for the families of the victims.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of Jammu and Kashmir over the next few hours. The rainfall is likely to be accompanied by thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds.
