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Key Points

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed 60 deaths following a devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar. Rescue operations involving the Army, NDRF, and local authorities are underway. Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah have assured full support for relief efforts. Eyewitnesses reported around 300 people were present at a community kitchen when the disaster struck.

Key Points: Omar Abdullah Confirms 60 Dead in Kishtwar Cloudburst Tragedy

  • 60 bodies recovered after flash flood in Kishtwar
  • Rescue ops led by Army, NDRF, and local authorities
  • PM Modi and Amit Shah monitoring relief efforts
  • Eyewitnesses report 300 people at langar during disaster
2 min read

Kishtwar cloudburst tragedy: 60 bodies found, number of missing being ascertained, says Omar Abdullah

J&K CM Omar Abdullah reports 60 bodies recovered after Kishtwar cloudburst, rescue ops ongoing with Army and NDRF support.

"Around 60 bodies have been found. The number of missing persons is being assessed. – Omar Abdullah"

Kishtwar, August 15

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said that around 60 bodies have been found after a devastating flash flood hit Chashoti village in Kishtwar district on Thursday and the number of missing persons is still being ascertained.

He said rescue and relief operations were in full swing, with the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and local administration working on the ground.

"Around 60 bodies have been found. The number of missing persons is being assessed. After the rescue and relief operation concludes, we will inquire whether the Administration could have taken any preventive steps when the Met Department had issued a warning and also advised people not to venture out if not needed. The rescue operation by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, Police, and Administration is underway. Workers of different political parties are also working on the ground," Omar Abdullah told reporters.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to him and assured all possible help.

BJP leader Sunil Kumar Sharma, who is Leader of Opposition, highlighted the scale of the challenge ahead.

"Our biggest challenge is to clear the debris and find those washed away and missing. Eyewitnesses said around 300 people were at the langar (community kitchens) when the devastation struck," Sharma said.

He said rescue teams will attempt to clear the debris and search for trapped individuals on Saturday.

"Essential commodities, water, and electricity have been restored in affected areas, and the Union Home Minister Amit Shah has been personally monitoring the situation, taking updates from him twice in the day," he added.

Indian Army, in close synergy with the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Civil Administration and State Disaster Response Force, launched an extensive Search and Rescue Operation following a devastating cloudburst in Chashoti village.

The incident occurred at about 12:45 am along the route of the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra, causing flash floods and widespread destruction in the area, which resulted in casualties of yatris and locals.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Why weren't preventive measures taken when Met Dept had issued warnings? So many lives could have been saved. Administration needs to be more proactive during monsoon season. My prayers with all affected families 🙏
A
Aditya G
The Machail Mata Yatra route is known to be vulnerable during monsoons. Authorities should consider restricting pilgrim movement during extreme weather alerts. Safety must come before religious tourism.
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Priya S
My cousin was part of the rescue team. They worked 36 hours non-stop! Salute to our heroes in uniform and local volunteers who risked their lives to save others. Hope missing people are found soon 🤞
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Karan T
This is nature's fury at its worst. But we must ask - has climate change made these cloudbursts more frequent? Need long-term solutions like better drainage systems and early warning mechanisms in hilly regions.
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Nisha Z
The langar was serving food to pilgrims at midnight? Maybe timings need regulation during risky weather. But no blame game now - focus should be on rescue and rehabilitation. Donating to relief funds today.
V
Varun X
Good to see political parties working together during crisis. Hope this cooperation continues for rehabilitation work too. The affected families will need support for years to come.

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